As the curtain falls on a unique international career, the New Zealander is viewed either one of his country’s greats or an injury-prone, entitled enigma
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You would think, as a two-time Rugby World Cup winner, Sonny Bill Williams’ legacy wearing the black jersey would be secure. Think again. The enigmatic but highly influential talisman, who will almost certainly leave New Zealand rugby after Friday night’s bronze medal match in Tokyo, will depart as he started – dividing opinion like no All Black ever has before.
For those in the pro camp, Williams is one of the greatest athletes to have ever been an All Black, a success in rugby league, union and in the boxing ring, a man capable of the big off-loading play, a match and title winner. Critics view him as entitled and injury prone, a player who seemed to pick when he played and was given allowances that were accorded to few, if any, of his teammates.
Written by Matt McILraith
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/nov/01/sonny-bill-williams-departs-as-he-arrived-dividing-opinion-like-no-other-all-black under the title “Sonny Bill Williams departs as he arrived: dividing opinion like no other All Black | Matt McILraith”. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.
