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The day Sonny Bill Williams lost respect for All Blacks teammate
By Josh Raisey
Playing in two World Cup-winning All Blacks sides would teach a player a lot about who his teammates are, but Sonny Bill Williams learned the greatest lesson about one of his teammates away from the pitch or training paddock.
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The 58-cap All Black was taught a “truth of life” from an unnamed teammate during his time with the national team, who failed to “stand up when it really mattered”.
The incident occurred after then-All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen had set a curfew for the team ahead of a big match.
The former rugby league and union superstar opened up in an interview about what happened after the curfew was set, and how it resulted in his teammate’s words being “hollow” to him from then on.
“I was playing for the All Blacks and after a big win our coach Shags [Hansen] set a curfew because of the big game the next week,” Williams said.
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“Despite that, some of us went out to celebrate a teammate’s milestone. We got back a little late, breaking the curfew.
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“The next morning, as we headed to the bus, a meeting was called and we were all sent to the team room. Shags wasn’t happy. It was tough seeing the disappointment in the coach, but more so in our teammates who we let down’s faces.
“He told everyone who broke the curfew to stand up. You know what? In moments like these, you really discover who has your back. I’ll never forget the teammate that didn’t stand. He was sitting next to me and he chose to stay seated.
“You know in the future, we would play together a lot, we’d go into battle. But whenever he gave those motivational talks before the game, I’ll be honest, those words meant nothing to me. They were hollow. Because he didn’t stand up when it really mattered.
“Real strength isn’t just about how much muscle you have or what you can do in the weights room. It’s about standing up for what’s right even if that means standing alone.
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“This lesson isn’t just about the rugby field, but rather it’s a truth of life.”
Don’t worry Sonny bill Williams leave that awkward situation about the curfew in the pass whoever it was it doesn’t matter its no big deal we back our All Blacks through the storm and the thunder until we see the Sun light again.
Who listens to this retard?
He was a massive liability as a player but obviously a media sensation
I’m not surprised by such ‘virtue signalling’ by Sonny Boy.
Butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth.
He’s such a pious Islamic muppet, imo.
Bit rich coming from the guy with zero loyalty to anyone or any team, including happily taking a players place in a league world cup squad because well, SBW wanted to play in it and thus an already named player got told he was no longer going.
And airing stuff like this, which may or may not be true, doesn't exactly say you're a stand up guy either SBW. Just looking to keep his name in lights as usual.
It couldn’t have been Ryan Crotty. He wasn’t selected in either World Cup side - they chose Money Bill instead. And Money Bill only cared about himself, and that manager he had, not the team.
Talking bout Ryan Crotty? Heard Crotty say in a interview once that SBW doesen't care about the team . He went on to say that whenever they lost a big game, SBW would be happy as if nothing happened, according to him someone who cares would look down.. Personally I think Crotty is in the wrong, not for feeling gutted but for expecting others 2 be like him… I have been a bad loser forever as it matters so much to me but good on you SBW for being able to see the bigger picture….
No
Islam says it must rule where it stands
Thus it is to be deleted from this planet Earth
I’m a pensioner so I've been around a bit. My opinion of SBW is he is an elite athlete and a great New Zealander and roll model. He has been to the top and knows what he's talking about. To all the negative comments regarding SBW the typical New Zealand way, cut that tall poppy down.
I'm not listening to a guy moralise over others when this is the guy who walked out mid season on Canterbury RLFC when he had a contract with them, what a hypocrite. All the Kiwis sticking up for this unprincipled individual because they can't accept justified criticism, he has zero credibility or integrity. Those praising him are a joke.
Interesting insight. Fantastic athlete, and a genuine human being.