Williams’ injury recovery almost complete
Sonny Bill Williams could return to Super Rugby as early as this weekend as he nears a full recovery from the Achilles tendon injury he suffered at last year’s Rio Olympics.
Blues coach Tana Umaga suggested the 33-test All Black is a possibility to take the field on Saturday, when the Blues face off against the Highlanders at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.
“It's looking good,” Umaga told Newstalk ZB. “He has been training with us, and it's how he feels after he trains. If he can get many days where he feels good after training, then that's the process we're going through at the moment, where he's pain-free after one training, and then he can get through a whole week of training.
“It's good [for him] to be back, but it's hard to say whether it's this weekend, next weekend or after the bye.”
Williams is yet to make his debut for the Blues as a result of the Achilles injury he suffered during the All Blacks Sevens' opening pool match at the Olympics against Japan in Rio de Janeiro eight months ago.
The 31-year-old signed a three-year deal for the Auckland-based franchise in June last year. The news of Williams' imminent return to Super Rugby will be warmly welcomed by fans around the country following a worrying weekend of injuries to a handful of key All Blacks.
Sam Cane and Nepo Laulala left the field with concussion in the Chiefs’ 28-12 win over the Bulls in Hamilton, and with the Chiefs flying out for Africa this morning, neither man will make the trip, though Cane is set to join his teammates later on tour.
The openside flanker will definitely miss Sunday’s encounter with the Stormers, a big blow for the Chiefs' hopes in the clash between unbeaten teams, but fitness permitting will be available for subsequent matches against the Cheetahs and Force.
Laulala will remain in Hamilton throughout, replaced in the squad by uncapped Bay of Plenty front rower Aidan Ross.
Elsewhere, the Hurricanes’ 34-15 win over the Reds in Brisbane may have come at a cost, with Ardie Savea leaving the field with a calf strain.
Assistant coach John Plumtree said they're hopeful it isn't too serious. “We think he might have a bit of a calf strain. He's walking around here. He's a bit uncomfortable but I don't think it's anything major, without having too much detail from the medical staff.” All Blacks vice-captain Ben Smith was scratched from the Highlanders' starting line-up before their 51-12 demolition of the Rebels in Dunedin on Friday, after tweaking his hamstring at training on Thursday. The injury isn't believed to be serious, however, and a return against the Blues this weekend seems likely. Cane, Laulala, Savea and Smith add to the growing list of injured All Blacks, with the likes of Brad Weber (broken femur), Charlie Ngatai (concussion), Dane Coles, Israel Dagg, Liam Squire (all knee injuries), Nehe MilnerSkudder (fractured foot), Vaea Fifita (damaged ankle ligaments), Kieran Read (wrist surgery), Seta Tamanivalu, Lima Sopoaga (both hamstring injuries), and Waisake Naholo (fractured leg) all sidelined.