‘Fearless’ France favourites for ex-All Black Sonny Bill Williams

Sonny Bill Williams

PARIS (AFP): When Sonny Bill Williams retired from rugby union after the 2019 World Cup, he brought an end to one of the most glittering careers in the sport.

On top of a successful time in rugby league Williams won countless Bledisloe Cups as well as the Webb Ellis trophy in 2011 and four years later.

On Friday, Williams’ New Zealand play hosts France in the World Cup’s opening game less than two months after Les Bleus’ under 20s side won a third straight junior title.

“When I see the French, the chickens are coming home to roost,” former centre Williams told AFP.

“The last few under 20 World Cups they’ve won and the young fearless players that are coming through, France represent that.

“They don’t have the fear factor of the All Blacks, that’s why they’re scary, that’s why for me they’re one of the favourites,” he said, adding Ireland to the list of title contenders.

The 38-year-old was part of an All Blacks generation to lift the Webb Ellis trophy twice, alongside the likes of Richie McCaw, Dan Carter and Ma’a Nonu.