31 Jan 2009

Sonny Bill finally makes mark at Toulon

3:03 pm on 31 January 2009

The former rugby league star Sonny Bill Williams has finally made his mark in French rugby, with a starring role in Toulon's 38-22 win over bottom of the table Mont-de-Marsan.

With Toulon coach and former All Black Tana Umaga delaying his playing comeback, Williams delivered on his much-hyped billing by scoring one try and setting up another in the battle between the Top 14 relegation candidates.

Playing at second five eighth centre, Williams, who made a bitter and controversial switch to union from rugby league last year, ran half the length of the field to score his team's third try in the 48th minute before setting-up Martin Jagr with a superb reverse pass.

Umaga, who had been widely-tipped to make a playing return after 18 months in an effort to help preserve the big-spending French team's top flight status, stayed in the stands.

Jagr finished with a double as did New Zealand winger Sinoti Sinoti.