All Blacks midfielder Sonny Bill Williams has banked some more valuable on-field time, as he came through 80 minutes unscathed for Counties Manukau against the Bay of Plenty Wasps in Katikati on Saturday.
The 34-year-old is still working his way back to full fitness after knee surgery earlier in the season, as he targets the second Bledisloe Cup test in Auckland to follow up his return to the black jersey against the Springboks last week.
"Very happy to get through 80 and have a bit of fun and enjoy it," Williams told Newshub. "It's a beautiful part of New Zealand."
Williams looked sharp at second-five for the Steelers in the game of three halves - a Mitre 10 Cup warm-up that also included a Wellington side - making a handful of strong carries.
The 52-test veteran insists he isn't feeling any pressure despite a social media outburst last week that has drawn criticism from some fans and media, including The AM Show's Mark Richardson.
"Never. I think for us footy players, we love playing and we love doing what we do."
Williams has been left behind by the All Blacks as they flew to Perth on Saturday morning for the Bledisloe Cup opener next weekend.
He'll likely play another fixture for Counties Manukau prior to the second Bledisloe Cup test in two weeks time.
Newshub.
