All Blacks quash SBW injury rumours

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks dismissed the speculations that Sonny Bill Williams may be ruled out of the World Cup due to injury.

Former World Cup match commentator Hamish McKay has publicly sparked the rumour mill, saying Williams’ withdrawal is imminent.

The 34-year-old has been suffering from a calf injury – that saw him miss the All Blacks’ test against Tonga – and according to McKay, Williams is set to be replaced by Hurricane Ngani Laumape.

However, Stuff reported, the All Blacks denied the rumour on Sunday, telling media in Japan he wasn't returning to New Zealand.

“I trust my source. Watch this space,” McKay told Newstalk ZB’s, Martin Devlin.

“It’s more than an injury watch day … it’s a day-to-day proposition. I think we’re going to hear something break.”

Players who are replaced can take no further part in the tournament. Both Williams and Laumape are centres not known for playing other positions at test level.

All Blacks have already loss the service of Luke Jacobson prior to the tournament. All Blacks player to be ruled out of the tournament prior to the team's opener against South Africa, with Shannon Frizell replacing Luke Jacobson due to a delayed bout of concussion.

The defending champions, who are chasing a third straight trophy in Japan, called up rookie Shannon Frizell to replace Jacobson in the loose forwards.

Source: Rugbypass & NZStuff