The Wallabies name All Blacks’ biggest cost exile as Sonny Beale calls for selection block to end

Sonny Bill Williams has called for an end to New Zealand rugby’s policy of not recruiting overseas players for the All Blacks.

Scott Robertson’s side have won four and lost three of their two Bledisloe Cup games this year ahead of the Wallabies, but the former All Blacks star insists his side are hampered by the policy and could have beaten South Africa if the two sides were on equal footing.

The Springboks have an open policy of selecting their best 23 players regardless of where they play club rugby.

Williams, who spoke on Stan Sport’s Between Two Posts on Tuesday, said the decision to leave out stars Shannon Frizzell, Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith and Brody Retalik was problematic.

“This is a little controversial, but whatever,” Williams said. “I think we should pick these guys. It’s easy. It’s about livestock.

“And when we have guys like that, we can choose between Shannon Frizzell and Aaron Smith. It changes the game.

“Mo’unga… you have to choose what’s best for the team at this moment… All Blacks, we have a problem.”

Williams said the All Blacks’ most promising back-rowers were Frizzell at number six, Wallace Sititi at number eight and Ardi Savea at number seven.

“At the top level, there are a few players who have experience in this area and need to play here right now.

“Success leaves clues. What is South Africa doing? Players can come in (from abroad) and they still thrive.”

The Wallabies have only signed one overseas player this year – Marika Koroibete. Williams said he hopes RA will bring in more OS players, including his close friend Kwade Cooper and Bernard Foley, who also appeared in this episode.

Williams has revealed he will be deploying Beauden Barrett as the All Blacks’ No.10, replacing Damien McKenzie, in line with current NZ policy, with Anton Lienette-Brown and Rico Ioane in midfield, Jordy Barrett at full-back and Caleb Clarke and Mark Tellea on the wings.

New Zealand’s Jody Barrett, Aaron Smith and Brodie Retalik sing the national anthem before the Rugby World Cup 2023 semi-final. (Photo: Adam Pretty – World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)

“I really want to emphasise that it’s a 23-man game, we want everyone to be involved and everyone to get game time… I’m not happy because I know what the All Blacks are capable of… Are you saying Aaron Smith isn’t fit right now?” Williams said.

Polly also supported Smith’s return.

“The level of (Cortez Latima and TJ Perenara) at the moment probably doesn’t allow them to control the game,” the Wallabies flyhalf said.

“His passing range and kicking game were things they relied on a lot.

“When we played them, they used the off-set pieces to get wide and get forward through the middle, so they could get on the front foot and play wide, and then kick it out or attack the opponents.

“That’s why I think they’ll miss him the most.”