“He forgets what sport he’s playing sometimes.”

All Blacks centre Sonny Bill Williams last weekend became the subject of some controversy and criticism after he had a bit of a ‘brain explosion’ while playing against France.

Williams was yellow-carded early in the second-half against the French, after he deliberately batted down a crossfield kick from outhalf Anthony Belleau. Referee Angus Gardner was also left with no choice but to award Les Blues with a penalty try.

It was an act of pure stupidity from Williams, who clearly thought he was back playing rugby league. All Blacks boss Steve Hansen said Williams clearly doesn’t know the rules, and will learn from the mistake.

Referee Angus Gardner has since stated that he made a bit of a mistake himself, stating he shouldn’t have yellow carded Williams, with the penalty try sufficient enough.

“The penalty was obviously awarded, but he said he made that mistake by sending me off. It is what it is, that’s footy.” Williams told Newshub.

“I should’ve been looking up the rule books. I remember laying on the ground and I looked up at Jimbo [Damian MacKenzie] and I said ‘Bro, am I allowed to do that?’ He looked at me and he shook his head. It was an honest mistake, just like the ref sending me off was an honest mistake.”

Understandable Williams has copped a bit of flak from his teammates, but surprisingly the young Rieko Ioane has been the one to roast him in front of the media, with a brilliant quip.

“He forgets what sport he’s playing sometimes. You know he does boxing and league so, ya know, he changes up between the three every now and then. But, we’ll forgive him for that… We’ll forgive him for his moustache as well.”