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Cape Town - The sporting connections of All Blacks superstar Sonny Bill Williams stretch across a variety of codes, including cricket it appears.
In the country to face the Black Caps across all three formats, a trio of Proteas cricketers caught up with the star midfielder ahead of the lone T20I at Eden Park in Auckland on Friday (08:00 SA time).
According to the Stuff website, Williams posted a photo on social media with batsman Hashim Amla, seamer Wayne Parnell and leg-spinner Imran Tahir, captioning the picture "always good catching up with the brothers when in town".
Asked about the picture on Thursday, Tahir indicated the feeling was certainly mutual.
"Every time we are here Sonny always comes to see us," the world's No 1-ranked ODI and T20 bowler said.
"He is a very kind man and I have lot of respect for him, it was lovely to see him again. I wish I could have muscles like him.
"I'm really pleased and happy with what he has achieved in his life. He's just an unbelievable guy ... a wonderful human being."
All four sportsmen practice the Muslim religion and Tahir said he met Williams two years ago through his friendship with Amla.
Tahir added his admiration for Williams, who has played 33 Tests for the All Blacks as well as Sevens and rugby league for his country, and been involved in a number of professional boxing bouts, had been sparked by the first time the pair crossed paths.
"(For) the amount of respect he has and what a big name he is in the world he is very down to earth man.
"When I first met him first I was shaking because he was walking with us in an Auckland street and you could see people's reaction, I was blown away by that.
"He stopped for everyone and took pictures and everything. I've never seen someone that famous but he is a great guy, great human being and good friend."
Following Friday's match, the Proteas will face New Zealand in five one-day internationals and three Tests.
Williams is still recovering from an Achilles injury which he sustained at last year's Rio Olympics.
Once he's passed fit, he will play for the Blues in this year's Super Rugby tournament and is expected to feature in mid-year when the All Blacks welcome the British & Irish Lions to New Zealand.
Always good catching up with the brothers when In town. pic.twitter.com/QJF8CKJCGZ
— Sonny Bill Williams (@SonnyBWilliams) February 13, 2017
