Rugby: Sonny Bill to start at centre

Sonny Bill Williams. Photo / Getty Images

Sonny Bill Williams will get to showcase his skills at centre after Canterbury rugby coach Rob Penney today named Robbie Fruean on the bench for Saturday's national provincial championship match against Otago in Dunedin.

Williams has made four appearances for Canterbury at second five-eighth, including a starring role off the bench in last Saturday's 37-30 win against Wellington, but will move out a position against in one of four changes to Canterbury's starting 15.

Penney said Fruean, who had played eight matches in a row this season, was due a spell on the reserves bench.

"Robbie has played every minute of our last seven games and we are managing his workload as we do all our players," Penney said.

"Robbie has been one of our most consistent performers and we're really happy with his form and attitude.

"We're confident Sonny will go well at centre given his skills and the skills of those players around him. It's an exciting prospect."

Hooker Corey Flynn (sternum) and prop Peter Borlase (shoulder) are unavailable and have been replaced by Steve Fualau and Andrew Olorenshaw, respectively, while a minor knee injury has ruled out Stephen Brett. He is replaced on the reserves bench by Sam Monaghan.

Paul Ngauamo and Rodney Ah You move on to the reserves bench as front row cover.

Canterbury team: Sean Maitland, Tu Umaga-Marshall, Sonny Bill Williams, Ryan Crotty, Telusa Veainu, Colin Slade, Andy Ellis, Nasi Manu, George Whitelock (captain), Matt Todd, Isaac Ross, Luke Romano, Andrew Olorenshaw, Steve Fualau, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Paul Ngauamo, Rodney Ah You, Rob Verbakel, Ash Parker, Willi Heinz, Sam Monaghan, Robbie Fruean.

- NEWSTALK ZB