Rugby: Less flashy play working for Sonny Bill

Keeping it simple as worked well for Sonny Bill Williams and the Chiefs this season. Photo / Getty Images

Simplicity is the key to Sonny Bill Williams' Super 15 form this year.

The Chiefs second five has been one of the standout New Zealand backs of the competition to date.

Williams says the key is not overplaying his hand, even though the flashy stuff is still there on occasion.

"Just trying to stick to the team structures and do what I can do for the team in a structured way I guess. The flashy stuff comes now and then, because it's hard to get rid of overnight."

"I've been trying to simplify it a bit more, not try and do a special play every time I touch the ball, so to speak. I think that's probably where I've improved this year.

Despite a strong showing for the table topping Chiefs, Williams looks set to miss out on a starting role in the All Blacks' opening test against Ireland next month. New All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has hinted that Dan Carter will wear the number 12 jersey on June 9 at Eden Park.

The shift would be bad news for Williams, but he is likely to retain a spot on the reserves bench, probably ahead of Ma'a Nonu, with Conrad Smith at centre.

Williams believes this week's opponents, the defending champion Reds, pose the biggest challenge for the Chiefs this season.

The Chiefs will be gunning for a 10th straight win this season at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.

- Newstalk ZB/APNZ