Sonny Bill Williams' readiness to play for Counties days after his NRL season with the Roosters finished says as much about his relationship with Tana Umaga as it does about his commitment to prepare for the All Blacks' November tour.
He doesn't have to, after all. All Black coach Steve Hansen had already received a dispensation for Williams to play in the USA and United Kingdom without having to put on the Counties kit.
And he has shown in the past a willingness to take time off to freshen body and mind (and also a propensity to change the latter).
If he does sit on the bench for Counties for their game against Auckland at Pukekohe next Wednesday, it will be a testament to his closeness with the team's coach, his former teammate at Toulon.
Umaga played a big part in convincing Williams to give test rugby a go after his move to France from the Canterbury Bulldogs.
The former All Black captain gave Williams the jersey he wore in his final test for inspiration; Williams made the move back to New Zealand in 2010 and played for Canterbury and the Crusaders - and the All Blacks - before moving to the Chiefs.
