A lock that is happy to graft away doing the more traditional tasks associated with the role, Ali Williams' attacking skills with the ball-in-hand are also a valuable component to his game.
First picked for the Blues in 2002, Williams made his debut for the All Blacks in the same year. Since then he has become an invaluable member of both the Blues and the All Blacks.
He left the Blues to play a season for the Crusaders in 2008, but his much anticipated return north in 2009 was marred by a number of injuries as the lock was forced to have surgery on an injured Achilles tendon and shoulder, ruling him out ruling him out of rugby for six months.Â
As a result Williams opted to take his sabbatical to the United States. but upon his return he ruptured his Achilles tendon in his first game back, ruling him out of rugby for the rest of the 2010 season.
After a lengthy layoff, Williams made a remarkable comeback, playing with distinction for the Blues and regaining his position in the All Blacks squad that went on to win the 2011 World Cup final.