26 Aug 2010

Canterbury coach admits Williams All Black window closing rapidly

8:35 am on 26 August 2010

The Canterbury assistant coach Tabai Matson concedes time is running out for Sonny Bill Williams to stake his claim for a place on the All Blacks end of year tour after again having his New Zealand rugby debut delayed again.

The red and blacks had hoped the former league international would be available for Saturday's clash with Auckland in Christchurch but a tight hamstring means he won't take the field for at least another week.

Williams has made no secret of his desire to break into the All Blacks end of year tour squad as he eyes a place in next year's world cup but Matson admits time is of the essence for the former Bulldog.