27 Aug 2012

SBW doesn't want to go: Hansen

10:42 am on 27 August 2012

The All Blacks coach Steve Hansen believes Sonny Bill Williams probably doesn't want to leave New Zealand rugby.

Williams completed his current stint in the game here by playing a big part in their Bledisloe Cup win over Australia on Saturday night.

He'll play rugby in Japan before returning to the National Rugby League next season.

Hansen says in his 19 tests Williams has shown what a special player he is and he'll be welcome back.

And he's crediting his strength and conditioning coach Nic Gill for getting his players into great shape.

The players and coaches have said fitness has been a key part to their early success in the Rugby Championship.

The All Blacks have a week off before they play Argentina in Wellington on September 8th.

Hansen says centre Conrad Smith will start that match. Smith has been out of action since undergoing eye surgery, prompting the All Blacks to get Williams to stay on for two matches.

Despite not playing since the end of the Hurricanes Super Rugby campaign, Hansen says Smith will be fine for the clash against the Pumas.