All Blacks prop Tamaiti Williams ruled out ahead of France series

The All Blacks have been dealt a significant blow ahead of their highly anticipated three-Test series against France, with powerhouse prop Tamaiti Williams ruled out due to a knee injury.

The 24-year-old sustained the injury during post-match recovery following his standout performances in Super Rugby, and medical assessments have since confirmed a meniscus tear requiring surgery.

Williams had been earmarked as a key figure in the All Blacks' front-row rotation and was expected to feature heavily in the opening Test on July 5 in Dunedin.

However, the injury now sidelines him for the entire series, prompting a swift call-up for George Bower as injury cover.

Bower, who missed last year’s Rugby World Cup due to injury, now has a chance to re-establish himself in the national side. His call-up provides experienced cover and maintains depth at loosehead, though it adds pressure to integrate quickly given the short turnaround to the first Test.

Williams’ absence is the second forward setback for the All Blacks this week. Loose forward Wallace Sititi was also ruled out due to an ankle injury, with Christian Lio-Willie and Dalton Papali’i stepping in to balance the back row.

Despite the challenges, the All Blacks remain focused on the task ahead. The Test series against France includes fixtures in Dunedin (July 5), Wellington (July 12), and Hamilton (July 19), with the hosts eager to build early momentum under Robertson’s leadership.