Springbok scrumhalf Grant Williams is gearing up for a significant showdown against New Zealand this Saturday at Ellis Park. This match isn’t just another fixture on the rugby calendar for Williams; it packs a personal punch too, as he has family members rooting for the All Blacks.
"It will give me bragging rights [in the family] if we can get one up on them. So it will be a massive privilege, if selected, obviously."
Williams also commented on the potential family tension this rivalry could cause during festive gatherings, yet he brushed off the idea with a laugh, clear indication that sportsmanship and family ties remain separate for him.
Rassie Erasmus, the head coach, has yet to finalize the matchday squad, a fact Williams respectfully acknowledged. He emphasized the importance of patience and team spirit over personal ambition.
"We first got to wait till Thursday for the team announcement,”
Williams resisted the urge to center the discussion on himself, even when asked about his personal competition on the field. He steadfastly maintains a team-first perspective.
"If I get the honour to play on Saturday, it’s always good for me to put the team first. I won’t be focused on my opposition. Obviously, I’ll study him, but if I get the opportunity, then my job is to make sure the team goes forward."
The depth at scrumhalf is a testament to the robust competition within the squad, which according to Williams, uplifts rather than divides. He firmly believes that whoever is selected among his peers will perform with the same high standards driven by mutual respect and camaraderie.
"If Cobus, Krappies or Herschel gets the opportunity, they’ll do the same. We don’t have younger guys trying to drag the more experienced guys down and vice versa. We think we’ve got a healthy level of competition, and it’s what makes team selection so difficult for us, because the guys all really care."
Despite the intense scrutiny from rugby fans and media alike ahead of this much-anticipated clash, Williams plans to remain detached and focused.
"I’ll be in this bubble, so I won’t get to hear all of the things. My only job is, if selected, to make sure the team goes forward and that I understand what the team needs. That will be my week, if selected."
As the Test match at Ellis Park approaches, the anticipation builds not only for the fans but also for players like Williams, who have much to prove on a personal and professional level. Whether securing bragging rights at family dinners or propelling his team to victory, Williams is prepared to leave it all on the field.
