KEY POINTS:
So Spiderman returns.
The Blues might not have won much in recent years but they have at least won a tug of war with the Crusaders, tempting All Blacks lock Ali Williams to return to the City of Sails.
The Auckland native yesterday signed a two-year contract with
the union, ending a 12-month southern exile that began after a very public falling out with then-Blues coach David Nucifora.
His All Blacks commitments and the increasing toll the international game appears to be taking on his body mean he will make no more than a handful of appearances for the union. But that is a side issue. Williams will turn out for the Blues in next year's Super 14, significantly strengthening the hand of coach Pat Lam as he makes the step up from national championship level.
True to character, Williams _ who enjoys a famously spiky relationship with the media and last year dealt with the interest surrounding his personal showdown with the Blues by donning a Spiderman suit and spouting a load of old cobblers before running off to deal with "trouble in the city" _ yesterday spoke about the move through his website.
He thanked the people of Christchurch for making him feel at home during his brief stay and paid tribute to the Crusaders staff.
His relationship with Lam and Blues assistant Shane Howarth appears to have swung his decision.
"It is an excellent opportunity for me to be back with the Auckland Blues and work under Pat Lam and Shane Howarth at Super 14 level and I'm really excited about it," he said. "The move back to Auckland also means I can be closer to my family and friends."
Lam was understandably delighted to have secured Williams' return, especially given recent speculation the world class lineout forward was close to recommitting to the Crusaders.
"When you consider the number of players that we have lost, to have someone of Ali's playing ability and experience ... it's a huge boost that he is coming home," Lam said.
He insisted he hadn't put any pressure on Williams to return.
"I have got a good relationship with Ali and with all the players it is about where they feel most comfortable. It is something that Ali was keen to do, but it wasn't an easy decision. He did have a good time at the Crusaders. He enjoyed his time with Robbie [Deans] down there."
Lam said he wasn't targeting any other players for next season but said he would certainly answer his phone if any from outside the franchise's unions called him.
"I am quite happy with what is around at the moment. If you look at that forward pack that finished [the All Blacks' test against Australia last week], if you take Richie McCaw and Rodney So'oialo out it was the Blues forward pack. That is exciting because that is going to mean a good foundation."
Williams is currently on two weeks leave following his All Black duties. It is unclear whether he will appear for Tasman in the national championship, although the niggling injuries he suffered during the All Blacks' Tri Nations campaign would seem to make that unlikely.
In other Super 14 news, Chiefs coach Ian Foster has extended his contract with the NZRU until 2010.
Foster, who has been Chiefs coach since 2004, has copped plenty of criticism for failing to return the Chiefs to the playoffs since guiding them to a debut post-season appearance in his first year but chief executive Gary Dawson said the extension was extremely positive for the franchise.
"It gives our franchise continuity and stability as we head into the final two years of the current Sanzar contract. He is an experienced coach and is highly regarded in our franchise and within New Zealand rugby."
