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All Blacks lose injured prop Williams for France series / Photo: © AFP
All Blacks lose injured prop Williams for France series
New Zealand prop Tamaiti Williams was on Monday ruled out of the three-Test series against France with a knee injury that will require surgery.
It is the second setback for the All Blacks in a matter of days, with rising back-row star Wallace Sititi also sidelined and needing an operation for an ankle issue.
Williams sustained a torn meniscus during the recent Super Rugby final, where his team Canterbury Crusaders beat Waikato Chiefs.
"Scans have revealed the tear," New Zealand Rugby said. "Assessment by a surgeon this morning has confirmed surgery will be required."
George Bower has been brought into the squad to replace him.
New Zealand face France in Dunedin, Wellington and Hamilton, with the first Test on July 5.
J.Szymanski--GL
