Sonny Bob who?

The most talked-about name in New Zealand sport at the moment is set to burst onto the international scene this November.

Mention a certain rugby player to fans in New Zealand, Australia or France and you're sure to set off either a tirade of criticism or plethora of praise. Yet elsewhere he has hardly been heard of. That will all change this November - of that you can be sure.

Funny story: I found myself at a rather large braai in Pretoria just before the Tri-Nations made it's visit to the Highveld this year. With the soccer World Cup having ended not long before, there was a pretty eclectic bunch of characters in attendance. Most will remember the afternoon for one Frenchman's hilarious garden cricket debut but the real international fireworks were still to follow.

As so often is the case, conversation around the fire turned to that ever-evolving 'who is the top ->insert position here

"Sonny Bob wie?" was the grumbled response from one local, resplendent in his Blue Bulls kit, who clearly thought these kids had experimented with one klippies and coke too many. Needless to say the ensuing 'debate' was animated.

Sonny Bill Williams: 1.93m (6 ft 4 in), 108 kg (17 st) - those numbers are almost identical to another superathlete, Springbok number eight Pierre Spies, except Williams normally wears a thirteen on his back.

For the uninitiated, here's a quick recap. A former New Zealand rugby league international, SWB made headlines when he walked out of his contract with Australian NRL side the Bulldogs and headed to France to join up with Tana Umaga at Toulon in France. Two seasons later he was named in the Top 14 Dream Team, but had already returned to New Zealand, signing for Canterbury with an eye on the World Cup. Chuck in a couple of exhibition boxing matches, mix it all up with a 'skiing while injured' saga and you have the makings of a media magnet.

On Sunday, having made a only handful of appearances in the ITM Cup, Williams was included in the All Blacks squad to travel North at the end of the month.

And so the trouble started (or continued, depending on who you ask). It seems there are plenty of folk in New Zealand who reckon he's all tell and no show, a show boater built up by the press who doesn't fit the All Blacks mold.

The reaction from some fans in New Zealand has included an in-depth explanation on how one breakfast did a U-turn at the stomach such was the disgust at the 'cheapening' of the All Black jersey. Some true cynics have even suggested Sonny Bill's place in the squad was silently guaranteed as soon as he signed a domestic contract.

Not much of a fan of League, I didn't know much about SWB before his move to France but after the first time I had the pleasure of watching him play for Toulon, I realised what all the fuss was about.

Williams is the rugby player of the future, a physical monster with ball skills to boot. Big rugby players are no novelty - France wing Aurélien Rougerie is a similar size and no one needs reminding of how devastating Jonah Lomu was with ball in hand and a bit of space to work with. But Williams' athletic ability could just set new benchmarks of what is possible. He floats like a butterfly and stings like a lumberjack.

"His offloading is unbelievable," according to Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder.

"He has a skill set that rugby players in New Zealand do not possess yet. He can step around you, step through you or offload. He will attract defenders and create space for other players," the former All Black skipper told The Australian.

"He must have been well coached in Toulon. He has come on in leaps and bounds."

But is there a place for him in the All Blacks team? Many a punter will tell you that he shouldn't be in squad, at least not yet and not ahead of Canterbury team-mate Robbie Fruean.

Graham Henry certainly has no reason to want to drop Conrad Smith, who has been simply outstanding for the men in Black all season. Despite what cynics have suggested, Henry is not one to hand out black jerseys cheaply (just ask Colin Slade or Victor Vito.) You don't have the best record of any coach at Test level without an eye for talent. Besides, if Willimas isn't tested at international level now, there won't be much chance before the World Cup.

Just the thought of Williams running at a hole punched into a defensive line by Ma'a Nonu must send chills down the spines of the awaiting northern hemisphere midfielders. If you like your stats, try these numbers on for size (excuse the pun). Nonu + Williams = 218 kg.

Of course the option of pairing Williams with Smith also exists, or even bringing either of them on as a game breaker in the last twenty minutes.

Either way, his presence creates competition for places in the starting line-up, which is good for any team.

Contrary to what many detractors have claimed, Blackadder believes Williams will assimilate into the All Blacks' culture, describing him "modest and humble," in contrast to the effect similar media hype has had on other players. (No, by all accounts Sonny Bill won't be ballroom dancing any time soon.)

All of the above said, it's understandable how fast-tracking Williams' into the national side has left a bitter taste in a few mouths. He will have a lot to prove on tour.

The jury is out: Is Williams hot stuff or just the product of hot air? Test rugby is the ultimate testing ground, so we'll find out in November.

By Ross Hastie