SBW out of June Tests

Fri, Jun 1, 2018, 3:30 AM
AAP
by AAP
Sonny Bill Williams won't feature for the All Blacks against France. Photo: Getty Images
Sonny Bill Williams won't feature for the All Blacks against France. Photo: Getty Images

Sonny Bill Williams will miss New Zealand's Test series against France after damaging his knee while on All Blacks training duty.

Cross-code star Williams will undergo immediate surgery on an old problem which he has aggravated, leaving him unable to train for the next month.

Blues medical staff said x-rays showed a loose piece of bone in his knee joint.

It continues an injury-plagued season for the veteran inside centre, who has played just five Super Rugby games because of knee and wrist issues.Williams won't feature in June. Photo: Getty ImagesThe All Blacks are yet to confirm if a replacement will be called into the 33-strong squad, who were to gather on Sunday ahead of next week's first Test against France at Eden Park.

Coach Steve Hansen could be without both members of his likely Test starting midfield, with Ryan Crotty having been sidelined for the last two weeks while recovering from concussion.

Hansen named five midfield specialists in his squad, including Anton Lienert-Brown, Ngani Laumape and the uncapped Jack Goodhue.

Williams' injury also rules him out of Saturday's Super Rugby match against the Melbourne Rebels in Auckland.

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