Sonny Bill Williams is in doubt for the opening fixture of the Rugby Championship as he recovers from a shoulder injury.
This means the injury will also likely keep him out for the remainder of the Blues' Super Rugby campaign.
Williams didn't feature in the Blues' first home win of the season last night after picking up an AC joint injury in the All Blacks' third Test against France.
He rushed back and made a surprise return from a knee injury just to appear in that third Test, where he lasted 60 minutes before going down again with the shoulder injury.
Blues coach Tana Umaga admitted that Williams' availability moving forward was uncertain after last night's Super Rugby victory over the Queensland Reds.
The 32-year-old midfielder - the oldest current All Black - has had injury issues since the 2016 summer Olympics, when he ruptured his achilles playing sevens.
Williams managed just six games for the Blues last season and has featured in just five matches for the side this year after dealing with arm and knee injuries.
However, All Blacks coach Steve Hansen told Fairfax that he isn't concerned about Williams' durability.
"I think he's durable enough," Hansen said.
"He's just not having any luck at the moment.
"They're not muscle injuries, they're impact injuries so that'll turn. He's fine, we're very happy with where he's at."
Meanwhile, Williams announced yesterday the birth of his third child - a son named Zaid Williams.
The All Blacks open their Rugby Championship campaign in Sydney with a Bledisloe Cup clash against the Wallabies on August 18.
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I'd rate the brothers Hendricks a point or two lower. Jaden has really not delivered on his early promise and Jordan's kicking at posts was quite erratic. Amongst other things.
I was really surprised that DuhDuh was replaced and not Jordan. DuhDuh had a great game and just underlined his class in a backline that was not firing on all cylinders.
Damian Willemse was missed. Hopefully he'll be back to full fitness and have an injury free 2025 (and '26 and '27 and so on until he decides to retire to spend time with his grandchildren).
RG was great. What an athlete.
Very happy that Hanekom made his debut at last. He gave a good account of himself and will hopefully grow into his role on the international stage.
All things considered, this was another frustrating Bok performance. Even though it was a comfortable win, it wasn't a commanding win. This Welsh team should've been put away by a far larger margin.
But I have faith in Dr Rassie. He knows more than I do. Bring on 2027 😁
Go to commentsGo the AB's .. Probs win by about 30 I reckon ... Cheers ..
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