All Blacks lose ‘best in the world’ forward in a hammer blow to Scott Robertson’s plans
All Blacks lose 'best in the world' forward in a hammer blow to Scott Robertson's plans
Crusaders prop Tamaiti Williams has been ruled out of the All Blacks’ July Tests against France after suffering from a meniscus injury in the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific final victory over the Chiefs.
This is a huge blow for All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson, who recently labelled the prop as “probably the best loosehead in the world”, before adding that his exclusion would be a “big hit”.
Speaking to the press ahead of the All Blacks’ opening match against France on Saturday, Robertson addressed the extent of Williams’ injury.
“In the quarter-final, he’s hurt his knee, and the surgeon has had a good look at it after the scan. The best thing is to have surgery,” he said.
Suggesting that Williams put in an “immense effort” during the Super Rugby Pacific final, Robertson indicated that the injury was so severe that the 24-year-old couldn’t straighten his leg following the game.
Quoting a return to play estimate of 6-8 weeks, Razor added: “It’s tough because he’s been in great form, but he’ll rehab quickly and he’s in great hands.”
Fans frustration
Fans and pundits have questioned the decision to play the prop in the final, considering he was already at risk of aggravating the injury, but Robertson has taken a ‘the past is the past’ attitude, saying: “Well, he played, and we’re here right now. So they’re the facts.”
“I’ve always trusted the medical groups and the advice that I’ve got,” Robertson continued.
“Players want to play, don’t they? And they want to compete, and that’s the scenario at the moment.
“We made the call on Friday, and obviously, the quality of Tamaiti, he’s probably the best loosehead in the world. So it is a big hit.”
Replacement
The All Blacks’ three-match Test series against France will start at the end of the week, and it will give ageing prop George Bower another opportunity to flex in the black jersey.
“He’s experienced,” Razor said about his returning man. “He’s in good form as well. It was a tough call not to put him in the initial squad so we’re pleased he’s come in, he brings a lot of energy.
“He’s got a great singing voice, too.”
Ferocious French
There’s been plenty of discussion surrounding the French squad’s arrival in New Zealand, with many pundits and fans slating the Six Nations champions for bringing a weakened side to face the three-time world champions.
Former All Black number nine Justin Marshall even went on record to suggest that they should stop inviting them to compete in Test series, saying on Sky Sports NZ’s The Breakdown show: “In my mind it’s it’s complete BS, the way that they’re treating this tour, the way that the French always seem to have come up with excuses to not bring their top players. I feel they disrespect the international window.”
Robertson is rather more wary of the European outfit, however, saying: “One thing about the French is they’ve got depth. French rugby is in good stead, a good position, and this is when they’re the most dangerous, when they’re underestimated.
“It’s quite nice when you guys (the media) tell the story that they’re depleted and all that, and they get their backs up, and we get a ferocious French team,” he joked.
