Williams, who has written his second book with James Griffin, titled Ali's Utterly Unreliable Guide to the 2011 World Cup, told the Otago Daily Times in a typically understated fashion he was pretty happy to be back in the black jersey.
"I've been in some dark situations of late and I'm pretty relieved to be in there. But now the hard work really starts."
Williams (30) thought his Super 15 form was mixed, as he took a while to get back into the swing of things after he missed a month of the season because of a hamstring injury.
But he had done enough to win over Graham Henry and company and would arrive in Dunedin next week for his first turn in the All Black jersey since 2008, something that he had been aiming for as he overcame his two shocking Achilles injuries.
"It is hard to explain what it means getting back in there. Hard to put into words. But I'm really rapt to be back. I love this country. I love playing for the All Blacks.
"I've really missed just being around the boys and being part of the set-up.
"It has made me a better person, no doubt about that. Everyone grows from their experiences."
He was looking forward to returning to Dunedin, as he enjoyed playing at Carisbrook.
Williams's book is a less-than-serious look at the World Cup, from how to run a good party during the tournament to a rather wry look back on past tournaments.
Williams said he felt the buzz about the tournament was building and people were beginning to understand what a big deal it was to New Zealand.
"It will be pretty amazing for New Zealand. You can't get any bigger and I don't think you will ever see something like this again. If people are going to be too critical then they are going to miss out on the event.
"Regardless of your point of view on rugby at the time you've got to enjoy it."
Williams felt people were getting more in behind the national side now than at any time during his career with the All Blacks, which started in 2002.
"I think it started with the football team last year and now we've had it with the netball team. Certainly it has changed since I first started playing for the All Blacks."
