Ali Williams to go under the knife

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The All Blacks are planning for life without Ali Williams in the upcoming Tri-Nations, with the experienced lock set to go under the knife to get his problem Achilles tendon sorted once and for all.

Coach Graham Henry confirmed today that a "shattered" Williams would visit a specialist in Auckland on Tuesday, and it was highly probable he would need surgery which would remove him from rugby for the rest of the year.

"It's not good," said Henry. "He's going to see the specialist and then we'll know a way forward. I can't tell you any more.

"They hoped they could rehabilitate it and get it right. He tried it twice, rather than go in for an operation. He will have to have some sort of operation I would assume, but we'll know on Tuesday."

Asked if they now had to assume they would go through the Tri-Nations (beginning July 18 in Auckland against the Wallabies) without the 62-test lock, Henry said that was their thinking now.

"It will be a bonus if he can play in the Tri-Nations I would think, because once they get into that tendon I would say it's going to be a long time."

A typical Achilles tendon operation can take up to six months to recover from, though it may depend on the extent of the damage already done. Unlike Daniel Carter, Williams hasn't ruptured the tendon.

Henry described Williams' unavailability as "disappointing and very frustrating" for the team, and even more so for the player himself.

"You've got to feel for him. He hadn't played any rugby all year. That's what he lives for. It's a major objective of his. So he's very frustrated.

"It's frustrating for the team too because he's a key player, he's world class and he provides a lot extra. But, in saying that, Isaac Ross has stepped up and done a great job for us. And he's learned quickly so that been a big plus."

Williams has remained with the team in Christchurch and Henry said the normally ebullient Aucklander was doing his best to stay upbeat around his team-mates.

"He's shattered but he's putting on a brave face around the troops. He's usually pretty sparky but I'd imagine he's pretty upset really."

Williams has been troubled by the injury since early in the Super 14 where he only played three matches for the Blues. He has made two false starts with his return to action...

The latest was at All Blacks training on Thursday when he pulled up lame in Christchurch as he prepared to play against Italy this weekend. Young Cantab Ross was called in to replace Williams in the starting lineup, with Bryn Evans moving on to the bench.

With highly promising Blues second rower Anthony Boric also out with injury at the moment, in-form Cantab Brad Thorn remains very much the senior figure in the All Black locking stock.

Ross' comfortable entry into test rugby has been a major positive, but Henry confirmed the selectors were pondering their options hard now Williams was removed from the picture.

"We've given it quite a bit of thought," said the All Blacks coach. "We've spent considerable time this week thinking about the future. I think we need to do that."

The selectors might be tempted to return some experience to their squad for their coming battles with the Wallabies and Springboks who are strong in the second-row department.

Jason Eaton had a solid season with the Hurricanes after coming back into the All Blacks on their end-of-year tour last season. He wasn't required for test duties during the Iveco Series but has been active with the Junior All Blacks.

Otago's Tom Donnelly, Wellington's Jeremy Thrush and Waikato's Kevin O'Neill are other alternatives.

Henry confirmed there would be some Junior All Blacks drafted into the 30-strong squad for the Tri-Nations to be announced next Saturday. The selectors will have a telephone hookup with JABs coaches Ian Foster and Colin Cooper next Friday as they finalise the players in line for a callup.

"That's the beauty of the Junior All Blacks to some extent," said Henry. "They're  playing some decent football at the level below. It's great the Junior All Blacks are actually functioning this year."

- © Fairfax NZ News