Grant Williams taking nothing for granted ahead of All Blacks Test

Grant Williams is refusing to assume he will feature in South Africa’s Test against New Zealand at Ellis Park on Saturday, despite the added personal importance of the fixture. The Springbok scrumhalf says several members of his family support the All Blacks, making a South African victory a potential source of long-term bragging rights at home.

Williams stressed that head coach Rassie Erasmus has not yet confirmed the match-day squad. The team announcement is expected on Thursday, meaning the scrumhalf position could still go to Williams, Cobus Reinach, Morné van den Berg or Herschel Jantjies.

The family connection has given the rivalry an extra edge for Williams, who sees selection as a privilege rather than an expectation. He dismissed the idea that the result could create lasting tension around family occasions, including Christmas, and treated the matter with humour.

If chosen, Williams said his attention would be directed towards South Africa’s performance rather than a personal contest with New Zealand’s scrumhalf. He intends to analyse his opposite number, but believes his main responsibility would be helping the team move forward and carrying out whatever the match requires.

That approach also reflects the competition among South Africa’s scrumhalves. Williams said the group’s depth raises standards because the players support and challenge one another instead of trying to undermine teammates. The competition includes experienced and younger players, all of whom remain focused on earning selection while contributing to the squad.

Williams also plans to avoid the wider noise around the fixture during the build-up. He expects to remain within the team environment, concentrating on understanding South Africa’s needs if he is selected. For now, his place remains undecided, with the final call resting with Erasmus before the Ellis Park Test.