SBW moves ahead on Nonu

SONNY BILL Williams is putting his hand up to wear the All Blacks No 12 jersey against Ireland in June, says coach Steve Hansen.

SBW has been in fine form for the table-topping Chiefs this season, while incumbent second five Ma’a Nonu has failed to find his grove for the under-performing Blues.

Hansen feels that Williams has the edge over Nonu at the moment.

“We had a chat with him when we were at the franchise and in my humble opinion he is the in-form second five-eighth, so therefore he deserves that to be recognised,” he told The Press.

Williams is unlikely to re-sign with the New Zealand Rugby Union when his contract expires at the end of the year, but Hansen has no plans to cut him loose at this stage.

“My job is to pick a side that can beat Ireland and, to me, he is playing really well and why wouldn't you pick him in your 30-man squad?”

Hansen also confirmed he will only take two halfbacks in his squad for the three-test series against Ireland.

He is considering the merits of whether to take two veterans in Andy Ellis and Piri Weepu or to blood a promising youngster.