An athletic lock with fine ball skills, Williams enjoyed something of a renaissance on the All Blacks' 2004 end-of-year tour, keen to show his willingness and ability to mix it up in traditional tight-five style.

A past Auckland age-group representative in soccer, tennis and cricket, he spent time with the Auckland Rugby Academy before making his provincial debut in 2001.

He was then picked for the Blues in 2002 playing four matches in his debut year.

He was picked for the All Blacks for their 2002 tour of England, France and Wales and was one of the success stories competing against his more experienced rivals on the tour.

He earned the admiration of England skipper Martin Johnson who presented the young Aucklander with his jersey after the Test at Twickenham.

Wiliams was a first-choice lock for the All Blacks in 2003 and was called into the 2004 squad as back-up.