Sonny Bill Williams is just happy to have made it through his first club appearance for Ponsonby today, after a year plagued by injury.
The All Blacks midfielder played 50 minutes for the Ponsonby Ponies in Auckland this afternoon, his side winning 25-22 over Grammer TEC.
It was valuable game time for Williams, who was playing for just the second time in 10 weeks after a lengthy lay-off following knee surgery.
"I wasn't trying to go out there and set the world on fire," Williams said after the game.
"I was just trying to get out there and get some contact, and like I said, just play footy."
Williams admits he hasn't spoken to All Blacks coach Steve Hansen about his return, but thinks he's done all he can to earn a place in the 41 man squad named on Tuesday.
"All I can do is be where my feet are, and try and get the match fitness up and if I'm called on, be ready to go," Williams said.
The 33-year-old enjoyed the thrill of playing club rugby in front of a packed out Orakei Domain in Auckland, with fans flooding the field afterwards to catch a glimpse of their All Blacks hero.
Williams is hopeful of a second hit out for Ponsonby next weekend.
Newshub.
