Former New Zealand test cricket star Mark Richardson has scolded Sonny Bill Williams for complaining about the media.
The All Black midfielder took to Twitter on Wednesday to lash out at the press for labelling him 'under pressure' to earn a spot in the upcoming Rugby World Cup.
Williams told his critics to "Get their priorities right" rather than focus on something as trivial as his recovery from injury.
Speaking on The AM Show, Richardson addressed Williams' comments telling the 33-year-old to "Get over yourself".
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While host Duncan Garner called Williams "precious", it was Richardson who had a direct message for the two-time Rugby World Cup winner.
"Yes there are people struggling in the world and yes we care about them," Richardson said.
"But you are an All Black. Get over yourself and let people in this country talk what they like to talk and that is rugby."
Richardson, who has never represented New Zealand in rugby, although he did play 38 cricket tests for the Blackcaps continued.
"I'd suggest that doing one's job is the most important priority for a sports journo, so do you deny the right of a sports journo to do their job, Sonny Bill? So they can feed their families Sonny Bill?
"Just like you get paid to do your job Sonny Bill, which I assume is a priority of yours to care for your family Sonny Bill."
Williams will miss the upcoming Bledisloe Cup test in Perth to get some much-needed game time for Counties-Manukau in Mitre 10 Cup pre-season.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen expects the former NRL star to be available for selection against Australia at Eden Park in three weeks.
Newshub.
