All Blacks centre Sonny Bill Williams has been ruled out of the Test against the Springboks due to illness.

Williams was set to make his first appearance in this year’s Rugby Championship after recovering from injury. On Thursday, however, the All Blacks confirmed that the centre is still battling with illness and will not face the Boks in Wellington on Saturday.

Jack Goodhue, who started at No 13 against Argentina last week, will take Williams’ place on the bench as a result.

All Blacks (revised) – 15 Jordie Barrett, 14 Ben Smith, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read (c), 7 Sam Cane, 6 Liam Squire, 5 Scott Barrett, 4 Samuel Whitelock, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Karl Tu’inukuafe.
Subs: 16 Liam Coltman, 17 Tim Perry, 18 Ofa Tuungafasi, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Ardie Savea, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Jack Goodhue, 23 Damian McKenzie.

Photo: Dianne Manson/Getty Images