New Zealand 7s coach Sir Gordon Tietjens has brushed off criticism of star recruit Sonny Bill Williams, saying the double World Cup winner is on track to peak at the Olympics in his new challenge.
Former All Blacks No 8 Murray Mexted has questioned William's suitability to the abbreviated game, claiming he doesn't have the unique skills required, especially at restarts and in scrums.
Tietjens is adamant that Williams is developing well with his sevens education and gave him special praise for his defensive work, which has become a cornerstone of New Zealand's success.
Tietjens told Radio Sport that if Williams can stay injury‑free and get involved in all three of those tournaments, "we'll see someone who's excelling in the game of sevens".
There will be further changes to the New Zealand squad for Singapore.
Veteran DJ Forbes is returning home after shouldering a ton of work in Hong Kong as injuries hit the squad there.
Injured players Tim Mikkelson, Lewis Ormond, Sam Dickson and Pita Ahki are also returning to New Zealand with Tietjens yet to name his replacements.
Meanwhile SBW has been at his generous best again – giving away his Hong Kong Sevens prize to a young New Zealand fan in the stands.
The NZ sevens teams received silver cups for their runner up finish to Fiji after the final of the Hong Kong 7s.
The child's friends and family had asked for a 'selfie" with Williams.
The superstar obliged and then surprised them, handing the youngster dressed in an All Blacks jersey, his prize.
Source : stuff.co
