Grant Williams has been selected for the Springboks starting lineup for the match against the All Blacks, which will take place at Ellis Park on Saturday. Although most fans associate Williams solely with his high speed, his abilities are much broader.
Despite his impressive acceleration and ability to distribute the ball quickly, which makes him a serious threat for the Springboks, viewing him only as a dynamic runner does not reflect the full scope of his skills. In fact, Williams provides the Springboks with a complete set of qualities in the shorthead position for the first match of the great rivalry against the All Blacks at Ellis Park on Saturday (kick-off at 17:10).
In addition to outstanding attacking qualities, the player from Paarl possesses a combination of tactical control and is an ideal candidate for the famous Springboks defensive system. His game as the current best Springboks box-kicker is often overlooked; his kick provides the team with exceptional accuracy and height, allowing his pursuers to contest the ball in the contact zone.
Under modern interpretations of rules prohibiting teams from blocking pursuers, Williams uses his play as a precise weapon to create chaos before counterattacks. Previously, midfielder Kobus Reinah demonstrated superiority in this aspect against the All Blacks in Wellington last year, using aerial pressure that exhausted the All Blacks in the second half, leading to a record Springboks victory.
However, Reinah suffered from injuries this season and has not shown his best form in box-kicking. His substitution would have provided the Springboks with significant quality and experience to finish the game against their long-time rivals.
Williams' inclusion also dictates the pace of the match. He is a midfielder capable of providing a fast start. As soon as he steps onto the field, his passing speed and sharp flank attacks make defenders doubt every move. One of the characteristics of the Springboks matches this year has been the number of goals scored by midfielders attacking spaces around the rucks.
The Springboks' ability to dominate collisions and gain lineout possession creates space when the opponent's defense is unprepared. One wrong step by a collision defender can lead to a 40-meter break thanks to Williams' speed. Moreover, Williams has proven experience in successful matches against the All Blacks, possessing clinical finisher instincts near the goal line.
On the opposite side of the ball, Williams' speed and anticipation will be crucial, as he will be the player operating behind the Springboks' defense. The Springboks usually defend from outside in with a high line speed, often targeting inside attackers and leaving space on the outside. If the All Blacks manage to overcome the Springboks' onslaught, the player operating behind must quickly compensate for the distance covered to defend that space.
The Springboks are one of the world's best teams in terms of coordinated defense, and Williams is number 9, capable of handling one-on-one confrontations. Williams is not just a sportsman on the field; he represents a complete modern shorthead, and the All Blacks will struggle to limit his entire arsenal of skills.