Sonny Bill Williams named to start for for Counties Manukau along with former Connacht prop
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All eyes will be on Sonny Bill Williams in Counties Manakau's Mitre 10 Cup clash on Saturday as the All Blacks centre starts against Taranaki.
It will be another important step for the 52-test midfielder as he looks to push his claim for selection in the All Blacks' Rugby World Cup squad.
Williams started at inside centre for the All Blacks' 16-16 Rugby Championship draw with South Africa two weeks ago but needs to prove his match fitness and form to the selectors after injuries limited his Super Rugby appearances for the Blues.
He got through 80 minutes in game-of-three-halves in pre-season and will look to force his way back into the All Blacks squad.
Williams is joined in the starting line up by former Connacht prop Conan O'Donnell, who earns his Mitre 10 Cup debut, as well as former Northampton Saints and Waratahs back Andrew Kellaway.
Nemani Nadolo's younger brother Chris Kuridrani has been named on the wing having returned from his short stint at Montpellier while Chiefs' flyer Etene Nanai-Seturo completes a dangerous looking Counties backline.
