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'The message I try and push is that I don't hate you' - Sonny Bill Williams' different approach compared to Folau

New Zealand's Sonny Bill Williams speaks to the media after attending islamic prayers in Hagley Park near Al Noor mosque on March 22 (Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images)

Sonny Bill Williams has been preaching a very different message this week compared to the divisiveness caused by the latest Israel Folau controversy in Australia.

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The All Black midfielder, in an interview published by the Now To Love magazine, has opened up about his Islam faith and how it strives to inclusive rather than exclusive. 

“The hardest thing for me is I live in a society where the majority are Christians or Catholics. Our Island brothers and sisters… we have a strong religious background. 

“But the message I try and push is that I don’t hate you because the message that you guys promote is one of beauty as well.

“I feel like that’s where we need to come together in our community. That, OK, you’re a Catholic, you’re Christian, you might be an atheist, but if your message and your purpose is one of trying to be positive in the community, then I’m down with that,” explained Williams, who appealed to the non-Muslim community that there is nothing to fear. 

“We love you. We just want to be accepted like you guys want to be accepted.

“If there’s something bubbling under the surface that you feel is hatred towards us, I’d suggest reaching out to someone in your community that is a Muslim because they’ll reach back tenfold and show you what is taught in our religion – and that is love.”

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Williams added that his mother converted to Islam in the week after last month’s Christchurch mosque terror attack. “It was very very special,” he said.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvlVldBHeTO/?utm_source=ig_embed

“That’s the beauty of Muslims is that we see this dunya (world) as an attachment. We’re just passengers passing through and inshallah (God willing) we stand in Allah’s grace. And that’s been my mindset for years.

“I’ve not always been perfect and I’ve had always human frailties but I strive. I strive to better myself, and humbly I have a beautiful wife, I have beautiful children. Yes we make mistakes, but in tough times, in stormy weather we have our purpose. We have our shining beacon.

“I’m so blessed that my mum has seen that… she’s just seen how its transformed our lives.”

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TI 27 minutes ago
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Rieko took literally years to turn from a defensive liability at 13 into a guy, who’s defensively sound as it befits the position. And it all came at the cost of him being much less of an offensive threat, than what he used to be. Proctor is a natural 13, he handles, passes, and kicks way better than Rieko ever will, he just isn’t as fast.


It’s unfair to judge Tupaea on the handful of games he’s had in 2022 before he got nearly crippled by a Wallaby lock. What could Tupaea/Proctor pairing be, if they got the same amount of chances as Jordie/Rieko?


Because no matter how you spin it, playing a player outside of his natural position is a poor asset management. No matter how talented he is, he still competes against players who had years and years of practice at the position. And if said guy is so talented that he actually CAN compete against specialists, imagine how much better still he could have been, if he had all those years to iron the toothing issues at the position. It just drives me mad.


Two things I hate in rugby union beyond description: aping after league, and playing players outside of their natural position. Especially considering, that they all admit they hate it, when they’re allowed to speak freely. Owen Farrell spent 80% of his international career at 12, saying every time when asked, that he is a 10 and prefers to play at 10. Those players are literally held at a gunpoint: play out of position, or no national jersey for you.

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Hellhound 1 hour ago
What has happened to Aphelele Fassi?

Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.


Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.


As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.

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