This was published 10 years ago
Sonny Bill in great moment of sportsmanship
Sonny Bill Williams has been captured in a touching moment of sportsmanship with a South African rival after the All Blacks won through to the World Cup final with a nervy two-point win.
Moments after fulltime, Williams made his way to Jesse Kriel as the Springboks outside centre lay crestfallen. Providing a photo reminiscent of the iconic shot of Andrew Flintoff consoling Brett Lee during the 2005 Ashes, Williams embraced his vanquished opponent.
The act typifies the respect between the two teams, who slugged it out in a titanic struggle that New Zealand won 20-18..
After the referee ended the fiercely contested contest, Williams hugged Conrad Smith. (Getty)
Williams then made his way to a crestfallen Kriel. (Getty)
Before the pair embraced. (Getty)
Williams helped the Springboks centre to his feet. (Getty)
With cameras on hand to capture the poignant moments. (Getty)
Flintoff was widely praised for this act after a thrilling England win in the 2005 Ashes. (AFP)
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