New Zealand head coach Stephen Kearney has confirmed that Sydney Roosters star Sonny Bill Williams will not be selected for the annual Anzac Test against Australia on May 2.
The 29-year-old, who has represented his country in both codes, has already announced his intention to return to rugby union at the end of this season for the 2015 World Cup, and Kearney thinks selecting him could only offer short-term success.
“From the selectors’ point of view, we’ve approached this Test match with the mindset of looking to win the next World Cup,” he said.
“From a selection process, that’s what we went about, so Sonny hasn’t been spoken about because of the mindset we’ve taken with the future in mind.”
With news breaking of Benji Marshall’s return to the six-tackle code, Kearney was quizzed on his chances of making the team.
“It’s wonderful to have him back in our game if he finds a club, but he hasn’t come into our conversation as selectors for this Anzac Test,” he added.
