Sonny Bill Williams shaping as All Blacks’ Bledisloe saviour

Sonny Bill Williams is looming as New Zealand’s Bledisloe Cup saviour as the All Blacks search for a midfield solution to Australia’s rampant backline.

Will New Zealand start Sonny Bill Williams in Auckland? Picture: Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images

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Sonny Bill Williams is looming as New Zealand’s go-to man for next weekend’s deciding Bledisloe Cup match in Auckland after the All Blacks were torn to shreds by Australia’s rampant backline in the series opener.

New Zealand coach Steve Hansen has vowed not to hit the panic button after the All Blacks suffered their worst defeat since the All Blacks began playing Test rugby in 1903, but after conceding a record six tries, he needs to do something to get his shell-shocked team back on track.

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Will New Zealand start Sonny Bill Williams in Auckland? Picture: Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images

“Physically, (the New Zealand team is) pretty good, there’s a few bumps and bruises,” he said.

“But mentally I’d say they’re pretty bruised because they’ll be disappointed and rightly so.”

Time and time again the Wallabies opened up New Zealand’s defence with Samu Kerevi’s trampling of Beauden Barrett, evoking memories of Jonah Lomu at his peak.

Plagued by injuries this season, Williams hasn’t been picked for the All Blacks this year as he tries to regain full fitness but has played two full provincial games in New Zealand and Hansen has been following his progress.

“Yeah, I saw that, so it’s been quite good,” Hansen said.

“He got through some good footy and it starting to get sharper and more game ready and that’s important.”

Outside centre Jack Goodhue was injured in the Bledisloe opener. Picture: AP Photo/Trevor Collens

Now a vacancy has opened up at outside centre Jack Goodhue unavailable for at least a week after injuring his hamstring in the 47-26 loss to the Wallabies.

Hansen refused to be drawn on what changes will be made but with Scott Barrett facing a possible suspension after being red carded for a shoulder charge, Hansen will have to make some quick changes if the All Blacks hope to retain the Bledisloe Cup.

“Australia chucked everything at us and we managed to stay in the game, so if we can rectify some of those problems and turn up with an attitude that says we’re hungrier, or as hungry as them, then we’re in the game,” he said.

Sonny Bill Williams has complete two full provincial games in recent weeks. Picture: Phil Walter/Getty Images

“This Aussie side’s a pretty good side so we’re going to have to step to the plate. They’re a team very similar to us, they love playing with the ball, they love playing a fast game and they’ve got good athletes right across the park so when it clicks you’ve got to work hard to stop it.

“We can’t panic just because we’ve lost a game of footy and chuck everything out and start again. We’ve got to keep quietly working away and improve on the things we need to and not giving away nine points through silly penalties would be a good start, not doubling-up on penalties would be another good start and hanging onto the ball a bit would be a good start. So there’s three good focus points.”