Springbok Star Grant Williams Reveals Surprising Family Twist Ahead of All Blacks Showdown

• Grant Williams is preparing for a massive Springboks clash with the All Blacks, but this Test has an unexpected personal angle for him
• The Springbok star has revealed a surprising detail about his family ahead of Saturday’s showdown at Ellis Park
• Williams is also waiting to discover whether he will get the chance to play in one of rugby’s biggest rivalries

Springbok star Grant Williams has revealed a surprising family twist ahead of Saturday’s highly anticipated clash against the All Blacks at Ellis Park. The scrumhalf opened up about the unusual situation surrounding his family as South Africa prepares for another chapter in its fierce rivalry with New Zealand.

The twist is that some of Williams’ family members support the All Blacks. That could make a Springboks victory even sweeter for the scrumhalf, who admitted it would give him bragging rights at home.

“It will give me bragging rights [in the family] if we can get one up on them. So it will be a massive privilege, if selected, obviously,” Williams said in an interview published by SA Rugby Magazine on 18 August 2026.

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Grant Williams' Springbok selection still uncertain

Williams, however, is not assuming that he will be involved when the Springboks face the All Blacks on Saturday, 22 August. The 29-year-old pointed out that Rassie Erasmus had yet to announce his matchday squad.

“We first got to wait till Thursday for the team announcement,” Williams said, mentioning Cobus Reinach, Morné van den Berg and Herschel Jantjies as other options.

He also insisted that personal battles would not distract him.

“If I get the opportunity, then my job is to make sure the team goes forward,” Williams said.

All Blacks rivalry adds extra spice

Williams laughed off suggestions that the family divide could make future gatherings awkward.

“No, not at all,” he said.

For now, the focus remains on the Springboks. But should Williams get the nod and South Africa win, he will have something extra to celebrate at home.

Springboks raise concerns over All Blacks tactics

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Briefly News previously reported that the Springboks had raised concerns about tactics used by the All Blacks during their South African tour.

Assistant coach Felix Jones said the Stormers, Sharks and Bulls had highlighted several issues after facing New Zealand. The concerns included breakdown techniques and physicality around driving mauls.

Source: Briefly News