Motivation still strong outside starting XV

When a squad has the luxury of being able to leave top class players on the bench or out of the side, it can lead to disharmony and disruption if the sidelined players let their egos get in the way of team objectives.

That can't be said of New Zealand scrum half Piri Weepu and second row Ali Williams, who gave an insight on Monday into what it takes to stay focused, competitive and ambitious, while still putting the interests of the team first.

Both are back from extended injury layoffs, both played well against France in the All Blacks' 37-17 victory and both are hoping to get more time against Canada in New Zealand's final Pool A match on Sunday at Wellington Regional Stadium.

Weepu, in a three-way tussle with Jimmy Cowan and Andy Ellis after a comeback from a broken leg, said it was vital not to get frustrated by not starting regularly or not getting the amount of playing time needed to push for promotion.

"If you let things like that play on your mind then you're not going to be motivated enough to help out the team during the week," Weepu told a press conference in the team hotel.

Love this jersey

"If you aren't playing that week you've just got to make sure you can still get in a good hit-out that resembles the qualities of running out and playing a Test."

Williams, who lost the past two seasons to foot and ankle injuries, makes no secret of his desire to win back a regular starting spot, but is delighted just to be back playing as part of the All Blacks' World Cup squad of 30.

"I love this jersey, I love this country and I don't deny that sitting on the bench and watching for 60 minutes is not what I'd like to do.

"But it's what I have been doing and so, when I come on, I've got to do my role. But I'm not hiding the fact I want to start."

Williams, who impressed with his 24 minutes off the bench as a replacement for Sam Whitelock against France, was philosophical about the injuries that dogged him for the past two seasons and the challenge he faces to reclaim a starting spot.

Harsh reality

"There's no point coming half way up a mountain and then turning back," he said.

"Life evolves. That's the harsh reality. I went away and people have come in my place."
Williams paid tribute to All Blacks coach Graham Henry, who will guide his side in a Test for the 100th time on Sunday.

"I can't speak highly enough about him. He's helped my career, if not probably saved a bit of my career.

"He tells me like it is. Sometimes you don't want to hear the harsh truth that you're not good enough, but that's what you need to know so you can get good enough."