Sonny Bill Williams will have served his red-card ban by next month and be eligible for New Zealand’s Rugby Championship opener against Australia, All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said Thursday. Williams was handed a four-match ban after becoming the first All Black in 50 years to be sent off during New Zealand’s second Test loss … Read more
All Blacks centre Sonny Bill Williams was Sunday suspended for four weeks for a dangerous tackle in the second Test against the British and Irish Lions, an AFP reporter at the judicial hearing in Wellington said. Williams was sent from the field 25 minutes into the Test after a shoulder charge to the head of … Read more
Disgraced All Blacks centre Sonny Bill Williams was accused of costing the All Blacks the second Test against the British and Irish Lions as New Zealanders weighed up the impact of his red card. In the country’s newspapers and on talkback radio there was a feeling that Williams’ background in the rival rugby league code … Read more
British and Irish Lions flanker Sean O’Brien will join All Black Sonny Bill Williams before a judiciary panel on Sunday after being cited for allegedly striking Waisake Naholo during the second Test in Wellington. O’Brien and Williams are both expected to miss the third and deciding Test in Auckland next week if found guilty. O’Brien’s … Read more
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen compared Saturday’s first Test with the British and Irish Lions to a World Cup final as they prepare to take on a touring party that has been growing in confidence and form. The Lions have shaken off a slow start to their tour to develop into a formidable force, but … Read more
The All Blacks believe they’ve cracked the code to beating the British and Irish Lions rushed defence, with coach Steve Hansen saying Thursday they have plans to outsmart their lightning line speed. Hansen also dismissed claims by his Lions counterpart Warren Gatland that he was “worried” ahead of the long-awaited first Test between the world … Read more
The British and Irish Lions gained a confidence-boosting win as their power told against the Maori All Blacks in wet conditions in Rotorua. Leigh Halfpenny – who landed 20 points in all – kicked them into a 15-10 half-time lead, with Liam Messam crossing for the hosts’ try. The Lions forwards dominated the second half … Read more
England retained their Six Nations title and equalled New Zealand’s world record for consecutive Test wins with a seven-try demolition of sorry Scotland. A hat-trick of tries for Jonathan Joseph, and one apiece for replacements Anthony Watson and Billy Vunipola and two for Danny Care put the visitors to the sword at Twickenham as Owen … Read more