Dylan Cleaver: A cautious pass mark for SBW in first big test

Sonny Bill Williams gave glimpses of what he is capable of at Twickenham. Photo / Getty Images

If the All Blacks could be accused of racing out of the gates before fading fast, then the same could be said of its famous debutant.

Sonny Bill Williams gave glimpses of what he is capable of at Twickenham, proved that he has the raw skills to play at this level, but ended up being slightly "disappointed" by his first test performance.

It was a game of significant milestones. There were the numbers to uphold and enhance, like the All Blacks having never lost an end-of-year tour test under Graham Henry. There were also personal breakthroughs, like first test run-on starts for Alby Mathewson and Sam Whitelock who both enjoyed strong first halves.

Hosea Gear played his first test in a year and just his third in more than two years, scoring a try and helping set up the other in a performance that earned a "big tick" from his coaches.

But none of those players went into the match with the buzz of expectation like Williams. His arrival on the international scene was trumpeted in the media here as having potentially a similar impact as Jonah Lomu's 16 years ago.

If that sounded like hyperbole, it didn't look it when he and midfield monster Ma'a Nonu started punching holes through England's defence and Williams pushed a trademark offload to Jerome Kaino that led directly to Gear's try.

"They created a bit didn't they," said Graham Henry. "We scored the first try off a Sonny Bill break."

As to whether the experiment had been an unqualified success, Henry was less sanguine.

"The jury's still out on that. Sonny will be better for the experience. He did break the line a couple of times. I don't think he was entirely happy with his game, but what do we expect? His first game in front of 82,000 at Twickenham is a pretty big ask.

"I'm pretty happy with what he displayed."

Williams said he felt frustrated that he had "let the boys down" with turnovers when the team was under pressure in the second half. In that he wasn't alone, but at least he now comprehends the step-up in intensity and speed from ITM Cup to test rugby.

"This was the biggest thing I've done in my sporting career, so for the first of the night I've just got to enjoy it even if I wasn't too happy with my performance," Williams said.

Williams was presented his first test jersey by Richie McCaw and plans to be a bit "selfish" with the two he was allocated, keeping one for himself and the other for his mother, Lee.

No word yet what Gear plans to do with his jersey, but it will be no surprise if he chooses to keep it tucked away somewhere safe.

Not only did he score his first test try in it, but after a faltering couple of outings at test level, he announced his international arrival at Twickenham.

"He had a very good game; it was an important try he got, he chased well, made some tackles," assistant coach Wayne Smith said. "His involvement was a lot better than it was in other internationals."

Which should ensure he has just a week to wait, rather than another year, for future involvement at this level.