Rugby's most exciting dual international is in foreign waters - forced to play second-fiddle and hope for a chance to make an impact at the World Cup.
Sonny Bill Williams hasn't made the All Black squad for the Tri Nations decider against Australia in Brisbane and faces the prospect of watching the tournament's knockout stages from the stands.
All Blacks head Graham Henry has preferred Ma'a Nonu at second-five on Saturday night with Williams' lack of versatility costing him a place on the bench.
Henry says the former NRL star 's challenge is that he's competing against the best No.12 in the world in Nonu.
He says that's a different experience for Williams who's always been, and rightly so, the top person in whatever position he's played, whether in rugby league or rugby union.
Now Henry says Williams is facing tough competition for places and isn't guaranteed a run-on spot so when he gets the opportunity, he needs to nail it.
