Sonny Bill Williams has pulled out of New Zealand‘s matchday squad for Saturday’s Rugby Championship Test with South Africa due to illness.
The 33-year-old centre, who was set to return to action after a three-month stint on the sidelines with a shoulder injury, was originally named on the All Blacks’ replacements bench for this weekend’s Test in Wellington but was forced to withdraw after being diagnosed with tonsilitis.
Williams’ place in the world champions’ matchday squad has been taken by Jack Goodhue, who joins TJ Perenara and Damian McKenzie on the replacements bench as backline cover.
New Zealand (revised): 15 Jordie Barrett, 14 Ben Smith, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read (c), 7 Sam Cane, 6 Liam Squire, 5 Scott Barrett, 4 Samuel Whitelock, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Karl Tu’inukuafe
Replacements: 16 Liam Coltman, 17 Tim Perry, 18 Ofa Tuungafasi, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Ardie Savea, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Jack Goodhue, 23 Damian McKenzie
Date: Saturday, September 15
Venue: Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Kick-off: 19:35 local (08:35 BST, 07:35 GMT)
Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)
Assistant referees: Pascal Gaüzère (France), Nic Berry (Australia)
Television match official: Rowan Kitt (England)