Sonny Bill Williams to start from bench

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RIDING THE PINE: Sonny Bill Williams much-awaited NPC rugby debut is a step nearer after being named on Canterbury's reserve bench.

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Sonny Bill Williams should make his long-awaited first appearance for Canterbury after being named on the reserve bench today for Friday's national provincial championship home match against Bay of Plenty.

Two All Blacks forwards - prop Owen Franks and lock Sam Whitelock - have also been named to start but they'll struggle to steal the limelight from former rugby league star Williams, who has battled injury since arriving in Christchurch to begin his stated pursuit of an All Blacks jersey.

Williams has overcome knee and hamstring complaints and last Saturday completed 40 minutes of game time without complaint for a Christchurch club combination.

The starting Canterbury midfield comprises Super rugby duo Robbie Fruean at centre and Ryan Crotty at second five-eighth so it remains to be seen how much time, if any, Williams gets off the reserve bench.

Other changes from the team who beat Auckland 35-16 in impressive style last weekend see Franks introduced at tighthead for Peter Borlase and Whitelock replace Luke Romano at lock.

Stephen Brett makes his first start at first-five for the season after Colin Slade was called into the All Blacks squad for the Tri Nations test against Australia in Sydney next week.

CANTERBURY: Sean Maitland, Tu Umaga-Marshall, Robbie Fruean, Ryan Crotty, Telusa Veainu, Stephen Brett, Andy Ellis, Nasi Manu, George Whitelock (captain), Matt Todd, Isaac Ross, Sam Whitelock, Owen Franks, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Steve Fualau, Peter Borlase, Luke Romano, Ash Parker, Takerei Norton, Sam Monaghan, Sonny Bill Williams

- NZPA