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.
In other news:
Latest Comments
Always proud of the effort, Sam. The All blacks never stop fighting, never just roll over. He didn’t get anywhere near the respect he earned, but that’s due to results, not commitment to the cause. Have fun dominating in Japan!
Go to commentsNot sure why Papali’i thinks Scott Robertson needs his help to select the next All Black Captain. In my view, Papali’i would be well advised to have a good hard look at his own game, and to reflect on how fortunate he is to even wear the black jersey. Rather than shouting at his team mates at every set piece, standing in the mid-field pointing and holding his arms out and flopping to the ground at the back of every second or third ruck, may I suggest he would be far better employed actually doing something on the field. Seriously, watch him for 10 minutes during a game - not much happens. When was the last time he was first to a breakdown, or actually made a turnover? If Robertson is half the Coach I think he is, Papali’i will not be anywhere near the AB’s this season.
Go to comments