Yahoo!Xtra Sunday Grill: Ali Williams

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Injury has been an unwelcome companion for All Black veteran Ali Williams in his return to the Blues. But the 61-test star says he is 100 percent committed to New Zealand rugby and says he wishes more Kiwis would wise up about how good their nation of birth is.

Q: You have talked about how you want to re-sign with the New Zealand Rugby Union. Why do you love New Zealand rugby so much?

A: I think it is the passion that I have got for the country. I don't have 10 or 15 generations of grandparents and things like that. We are the first generation of Kiwis, me and my brother, that are here. I have just adopted this place and made this place home; which it is. You travel so far away and you realise how amazing this place is. A lot of people who have travelled don't get that respect for what we have here. And on the rugby side of it, I think for such a tiny country, and a short existence, the history that we have is huge. If I can be one little leg in a centipede, it would just mean a lot to me. Money drives people to an extent, but I think your heart drives you further. To me, that is why I love this place. And every time I put that black jersey on, I don't know want it is, I feel like I get another heart or something. It is pretty special.

Q: Aside from providing you with a Super 14 winner's tankard, what did playing for the Crusaders do for you? Did it change your mental outlook to rugby at all?

A: No I don't think so. If anything, it showed how doing the simple things; ie, training hard but you don't have to train forever; doing those simple things can cost you in the long-run. And that is not only on the rugby field, but in general life. They have a simple way, but a nice way down there. For me, it was fantastic. Sometimes I get caught up in the 'Flash Harry' sort of stuff. The simpleness really came home and I was like, 'I actually enjoy this'. I am not saying that I don't enjoy Auckland and the razzle-dazzle; I do love that. But there is a balance.

Q: Talking about balance, you are one high-profile rugby player who is looking at businesses outside of rugby. How important is that considering things could change so quickly in terms of the longevity in your rugby career?

A: It is very important. I also think it is a reason why I am not so intent in looking overseas. I am driven to help the country in every way that I possibly can. And that is not just rugby, more as a business provider. I enjoy life. There are stages when I get down, but there are also stages when I get excited. Why not make the most of opportunities that this country has given me?

Q: What are you feelings on how you have gone since linking back up with the Blues?

A: I am happy to be back. I am just frustrated as an individual that I haven't been able to get on the park that much and contribute. That has been pretty testing. The body is trying to tell me something, but we are working through it. I definitely do enjoy being around my family and friends up in Auckland.

Q: On Friday you got the chance to play alongside your brother in the Blues. How good was that?

A: That is pretty special. I was very fortunate in a lot of my breaks, in terms of people leaving and things like that. And to see him, as a brother, the hard work that he put in to see the reward of starting this weekend is pretty special. You would say that I had a bit easier than he did.

Q: You have only been away from the Blues for a year. But how much of an eye-opener is it with all the new faces in the side, both in terms of players and coaching staff?

A: There are a lot of different players. But this is just the nature of the game now. People come and go faster. Some people make the most of their opportunities and stay longer than others.