Sonny Bill knee op a success – but he’s out of Test

ALL BLACKS centre Sonny Bill Williams has said that the surgery he undertook for a knee injury that ruled him out of this month’s Test series against France has been a success.

New Zealand had earlier announced Williams would miss the three-match home series after aggravating an existing injury while training with his Super Rugby team the Auckland Blues this week.

The All Blacks said Williams’ keyhole surgery to tidy up a loose piece of bone in the knee would keep him out of action for at least four weeks.

“It was only a small op but the doc said it was successful,” the 32-year-old Williams wrote on social media.

“I’m going to miss running out there with the Blues/All Blacks. However, I'm genuinely excited to watch my fellow midfield brothers in that black jersey showcase their amazing skills.”

Williams’ absence is a concern for All Blacks coach Steve Hansen, with Canterbury Crusader Ryan Crotty still battling concussion symptoms after a head clash against the Blues.

Crotty missed the Waikato Chiefs game on Saturday, with the All Blacks assembling in Auckland today ahead of the first Test at Eden Park on June 9.

Williams and Crotty have been Hansen’s firstchoice centre pairing since the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

The potential absence of Crotty, who can play both midfield positions, could ensure a lengthy run in the No. 12 jersey for the Wellington Hurricanes' Ngani Laumape.

The 25-year-old is likely to partner either Anton Lienert-Brown or Jack Goodhue in the midfield.

Goodhue, 22, and the 23year-old Lienert-Brown can also play both midfield positions. All three have been tipped for major roles in Hansen’s 2019 World Cup plans.

Williams fractured his wrist in March and returned to the field for the Blues only three weeks ago against the Hurricanes.