The All Blacks star recently opened up about the unexpected challenges he faced during the 2025 season, a campaign that proved to be quite the rollercoaster for New Zealand's esteemed rugby team.
Though Tamaiti Williams has gained a reputation as a skilled international player, the 2025 season still presented moments that caught him off guard. This year, New Zealand had a rather tumultuous time on the field, suffering three losses and ultimately falling short of clinching the Rugby Championship or achieving a Grand Slam during their tour of the northern hemisphere.
Despite these setbacks, Williams has emerged as one of the premier props in world rugby, proving to be an indispensable asset for the All Blacks over the last few years. At just 25 years old, he made his Test debut in 2023 and played a significant role in the team's journey to the Rugby World Cup final that same year, stepping off the bench to effectively counter the Springboks' scrum pressure.
The Impact of Coming Off the Bench
Williams has continued to hone his skills since that pivotal tournament, but in 2025, head coach Scott Robertson frequently utilized him as a substitute rather than a starter. "One crucial lesson I've learned is that when an opportunity arises, you must seize it. There have been times I’ve succeeded, but I’ve also missed the mark. These experiences have greatly contributed to my growth," he shared with the New Zealand Herald.
He went on to explain, "I feel like my game has evolved. Earlier in my career, I played both loosehead and tighthead prop, but currently, I’m focusing on the loosehead position. The expectations for props today are vastly different compared to 20 years ago, and so is our approach to the game.
"I've encountered challenges that really took me by surprise—like the scrum battles against England—and I've also learned how to support my teammates better, which is an ongoing process for me."
A Shift in Role
As the dynamics of rugby continue to shift, Williams acknowledges that despite not starting matches regularly, his contributions off the bench may carry even more significance. "Last year, I started many games, but this year, my role as a substitute has taught me its importance. Every player dreams of starting, yet I'm a firm believer in prioritizing the team, making this journey a bit unique," he remarked.
As the 2026 Test season approaches, Williams is eager to refine his skills further while the All Blacks strive for consistency under Robertson’s leadership. The head coach introduced several new players in 2025, but the squad still boasts a core group of experienced forwards.
"I hope we can build on this momentum moving forward. One key takeaway from rugby is that this team will never look the same again. We never know what changes next year might bring," Williams added thoughtfully.
He highlighted the presence of seasoned players like Codie Taylor, Scott Barrett, and Ardie Savea, who have been integral to the team for nearly a decade, alongside younger talents like Fabian Holland. "I vividly remember watching Fabian play in the under-20s for the Highlanders in Ashburton, and it feels like just yesterday. Our diverse mix of athletes and ages is truly one of our greatest strengths."
In conclusion, as rugby evolves, so too does the role of players like Tamaiti Williams, who embrace the complexities of the game while working toward a brighter future for the All Blacks.
