Sonny Bill Williams’ wretched year went from bad to worse on Saturday as the two-times Rugby World Cup winner for New Zealand appears likely to have finished an injury-plagued campaign with a shoulder issue.
The 33-year-old lasted just 30 minutes of the All Blacks’ 16-15 victory over England at Twickenham before he left the field and coach Steve Hansen said the Auckland centre would not be back for next week’s clash with Ireland in Dublin.
“He’s got a grade one AC (separated) shoulder,” Hansen told reporters. “He may be (out) for a week, maybe two.”
The All Blacks face world No.2 Ireland next week, with their likely strongest possible side, before they end their November Tests schedule against Italy in Rome on the 24th.
The imposing inside centre was unlikely to have played against the Azzurri anyway, as Hansen had intended to give his fringe players game time on their end-of-season tour as he fine-tunes his Rugby World Cup plans.
Hansen said it was too early to determine whether they would send for a replacement player, although Ngani Laumape looms as a likely call-up if needed after impressing with a hat-trick of tries against Japan in Tokyo last week.
Even if Williams is fit to face Italy, Hansen may still opt to end his difficult year early and give him an extended off-season to prepare for the 2019 Super Rugby campaign.
Williams has had wrist, knee and shoulder problems, and played just five Tests this year, lasting the full 80 minutes in just one of them.
He also played just six games for the Blues and was under scrutiny for underperforming when he did take to the field, although Hansen added that he was the type of player whose form improves with matches.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
He was born 1905, 1904 or 1908 according to various reports, in Wairoa, Hawkes Bay, and is remembered as one of the great Māori players.
I don’t really get the comparisons between Joey Manu and Sonny Bill Williams. I realise they have the Roosters in common, along with a…
All Blacks star Jordie Barrett has announced a sabbatical to play with Irish club Leinster at year's end, while committing his future to New…
There are those who will forever play the man - and not the ball - where TJ Perenara is concerned. The All Blacks and…
I well remember the day a New Zealand Rugby staffer put their hands on me. It seems I’d made them angry.The Wellington Sevens was…
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) have described the players' union call for the board to step down while governance reforms are carried out as a…
