All Blacks star Sonny Bill Williams still has a future in the black jersey, according to assistant coach Ian Foster.
At 32-years-old, Williams' form towards the end of the 2017 Rugby Championship had been subject to criticism, with some calls from commentators and the public for him to be axed from the national side.
Also, with the emergence of younger players like Anton Lienert-Brown and Ngani Laumape as midfield options, pressure on the double World Cup winner's position in the side has intensified.
Foster though, says Williams is still an important member of the side, with plenty to add heading towards the 2019 World Cup in Japan.
"Are we reluctant to get rid of Sonny? Of course we are, because he's a heck of a good rugby player," Foster told NZME.
The hard-hitting centre became just the third All Black in history to be red carded in June – something he doesn’t want to repeat.
"Our job as coaches and selectors is to pick the best team every week and that's based on what we see in training and what we see in performances, attitude and all that."
Foster also suggested that Williams' Achilles injury during the 2016 Olympics has stunted his role within the team, however he is confident the second-five will return to his best.
"He's obviously had injuries, so we've basically been trying to give him a good run and I think that's been important for his confidence and his growth to get some starts," Foster said.
"But these are top athletes, and Sonny's one of a squad, that focus on how they're going to get better and better.
"He's getting better, but there's still some areas for him to improve. As long as he has that attitude that he wants to get better, then we're excited."
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