Sonny Bill Williams has a new‑found respect for sevens rugby specialists following his introduction to the abbreviated code.
Williams is pursuing a place in the All Blacks sevens side to play at the Rio Olympics but says he must first come to grips with a sport in which he has little background.
Williams endured his first training camp under coach Sir Gordon Tietjens in Cambridge this week and reckons the 15‑a‑side players don’t know how good they have it.
Williams has a chance to be selected for the next round of the World Series in Wellington later this month, where he would play as a forward.
Tietjens says he wants to be sure Williams is up to speed before naming him.
The Wellington 7s will be held on the 30th and 31st of this month.
Fiji play their first game against Japan on the 30th at 12.36pm, followed by Wales at 3.38pm and their last pool match is up against Argentina at 6.46pm.
