All Blacks centre Sonny Bill Williams will miss the clash against Ireland in Dublin this Saturday due to a shoulder injury.
Williams sustained the injury in the first half of the Test against England at Twickenham, which the All Blacks went on to win 16-15.
The injury adds to a frustrating season in which Williams has battled to stay fit and in form.
Hurricanes centre Ngani Laumape has been called into the squad as a replacement. Williams will have time to prove his fitness ahead of the All Blacks’ final Test against Italy in Rome.
Crusaders teammates Ryan Crotty and Jack Goodhue are expected to start in the midfield against Ireland.
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