TWICKENHAM (England) • All Blacks centre Sonny Bill Williams gave his World Cup winner's medal to a boy after the fan was tackled by a Twickenham security guard following Saturday's final.
Williams said the boy, later identified as 14-year-old Charlie Lines, was "smoked" - thrown to the ground - by a security official after running on to the field following the All Blacks' 34-17 triumph over Australia.
"I was walking around doing a lap of honour with the boys and a young fella came running out and he got smoked by the security guard, like full on tackled him.
"I felt sorry for the little fella. "He would have been eight or seven, I kind of felt sorry for him.
"Hopefully, (the medal) made it a night to remember for him," said Williams.
"It's better that he has it rather than having it hang up at home."
The double World Cup winner also added on Twitter: "For a kid 2 have that will and take that risk, you deserve a medal.
"Enjoy bro."
The 30-year-old came on as a half-time replacement for Conrad Smith and had an immediate impact. He set up Ma'a Nonu for a try - with a pass the midfielder described as "brilliant" - to push the All Blacks to a 21-3 lead.
"I knew that I'd been playing some really good football this tournament," Williams said.
"I knew that I was going to be getting some game time so when I got on there, I just tried to bank on my preparation and just try and add something of value."
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
