SBW out of Boks test

Sonny Bill Williams was just ‘‘too valuable’’ to be risked this week.

The second five-eighth hasn’t played since injuring a shoulder in New Zealand’s win over France on June 23, but was named on the bench to meet South Africa in Wellington tomorrow. The 33-year-old missed training on Tuesday and wasn’t in quite the right shape to face the Springboks.

‘‘He’s had tonsilitis all week and it was [a question of] whether we chuck him out in the reserve bench and flatten him, if he has to come on and play 80 minutes, or take the risk that he only has to play 20,’’ All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said.

‘‘In the end, he’s too valuable to do that to, and we’ve got a good replacement in Jack, so it was a no-brainer.’’

Jack Goodhue assumes Williams’ spot on the bench, leaving Anton Lienert-Brown to play centre and partner Ryan Crotty in midfield.

The bottom line for Hansen, was that every year NZR spends more than it earns and eventually that will bite. Some additional assistance, particularly for the amateur and community game would help, but NZR is also doing its own bit to keep the Sopoagas of the world at home.

‘‘We’ve got to try and prolong their careers so maybe they don’t go overseas to get that big lump of of money. Maybe they could play another four or five years here and get the same money,’’ Hansen said.