All Blacks: Sonny Bill short on clothes after robbery

Sonny Bill Williams. Photo / Doug Sherring

He's got the starting jersey for Saturday - but Sonny Bill Williams hasn't got many other clothes.

The All Black will start at number 12 against Ireland but hasn't recovered the bulk of his wardrobe after a break in at his Hamilton home.

Williams turned up to training yesterday underdressed and says the burglars took most of his stuff.

"It must have been young fellas, took all my flash stuff. But it's all good, it's only materialistic things,'' he told RadioSport.

Williams says he gives all his jerseys away so there were no All Blacks souvenirs to take.

The Chiefs midfielder will start his 15th test on Saturday and his first against Ireland with Ma'a Nonu being rested for the first test of the year.

Williams says Nonu won't be happy to give up the jersey.

"I don't think anyone owns any jersey or any position. I don't think if you said to Ma'a to rest him, he'd like the rest. When it comes to the All Blacks we're always battling for that starting jersey, we're always battling for that number 12 and may the best person get the jersey."

The 26-year-old will have plenty of experience around him with first five-eighth Dan Carter starting in his 86th test and centre Conrad Smith playing in his 56th test for the All Blacks.

- NEWSTALK ZB/HERALD ONLINE