The All Blacks were all set to welcome back Sonny Bill Williams for this weekend's clash with South Africa in Wellington, until yesterday.
The midfielder had scans on his shoulder yesterday and was given the all clear to play after three months on the sidelines.
His return would be timely with Ngani Laumape out injured and Ryan Crotty coming back from concussion.
However the All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster says Williams was unable to train yesterday after becoming ill.
Foster is hopeful Williams will be right to play on Saturday while Crotty is expected to play too.
Flanker Sam Cane is also back in the frame after being given a week off to get over concussion symptoms.
Lock and former world player of the year Brodie Retallick had yet to have a scan but was expected to be out for up to six weeks after suffering a shoulder injury.
The champions are riding a 15‑match winning streak in the tournament and will head into the match as heavy favourites against South Africa, who lost 23‑18 to a depleted Wallabies side in Brisbane last week and split their opening two matches with Argentina.
The All Blacks will face South Africa at 7.35pm this Saturday.
[Source: Radio NZ]
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