Rugby World Cup 2015: SBW's touch of class

Herald online

24 Oct, 2015 06:09 PM3 mins to read

Sonny Bill Williams consoles Jesse Kriel of South Africa following the semi-final match between New Zealand and South Africa. Photo / Getty Images

Following the tough semi-final against South Africa, Sonny Bill Williams was quick to demonstrate some good Kiwi sportsmanship to a fallen opponent - and prove his haters wrong yet again.

Images from the aftermath of the match show Williams lending his sympathies to South Africa's Jesse Kriel, after the All Blacks took the win 18-20.

Jesse Kriel of South Africa is consoled by Sonny Bill Williams of the All Blacks. Photo / Getty Images

Williams is seen speaking with and embracing a dejected Kriel, who sits in shock leaning against the goal post. He then helps the young player to his feet with a handshake.

Jesse Kriel of South Africa is helped up by Sonny Bill Williams of the All Blacks. Photo / Getty Images

Grant Elliott helps up a upset Dale Steyn of South Africa. Photo / Jason Oxenham

It mirrors scenes from the Cricket World Cup semifinal in February when the Black Caps defeated South Africa in a last over thriller. New Zealand all-rounder Grant Elliott hit South African paceman Dale Steyn for six to complete the win for the Black Caps. Seconds later South African-born Elliott was captured lifting up a dejected Steyn from the ground.

After SBW's heart-warming display of sportsmanship, fans from both sides were quick to take to Twitter to express their admiration for the man.

This picture, credit of Getty Images, tells a great story of the battle of Twickenham. #sportsmanship #RWC2015 pic.twitter.com/pBcDJhiwEY
— Springboks (@Springboks) October 24, 2015

Time and time again in this World Cup SBW just goes above and beyond 👏🏽 tumeke bruh #hushedthehaters
— KASA (@omgwutkasa) October 24, 2015

"This kinda sportsmanship makes my heart melt," wrote Tanja de Jongh.

The man @SonnyBWilliams is in a class of his own, humbleness is the key to greatness! #SBW #NZLvRSA #RWC2015 pic.twitter.com/8yfK4YVLl8
— JCwilkz (@JamesWilkz) October 24, 2015

James Wilkie-George described Williams as being "in a class of his own, humbleness is the key to greatness".

This kinda sportsmanship makes my heart melt. #NZLvRSA 🇿🇦❤️ pic.twitter.com/dtJoMQhlCE
— Tanya de Jongh (@tanyadejongh) October 24, 2015

#sportsmanship is now trending in New Zealand https://t.co/dewpaNTAwL
— Trendsmap NZ (@TrendsNZ) October 24, 2015

The moment was so widely admired in New Zealand that "sportsmanship" even became a trending topic at around 6.44am.

Williams did a good deed prior to the game as well - offering two free tickets to the semi-final to Syrian refugees in London.

Any agency in London with a Syrian refugee that wants 2go to the game 2mrw I have two tickets to give you. Let me know
— Sonny Bill Williams (@SonnyBWilliams) October 23, 2015

"Any agency in London with a Syrian refugee that wants 2go to the game 2mrw I have two tickets to give you. Let me know," he wrote.

Williams, who is Muslim, has tweeted about the Syrian refugee crisis before and his generous offer prompted many messages of support. Australian professional boxer tweeted "my brother you got a heart of Gold. May Allah reward you.." in response.