‘Sonny Bill Williams only has to be fit’ – Steve Hansen

New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen has given his clearest indication yet that Sonny Bill Williams will be part of the All Blacks’ World Cup squad later this year.

Williams has been sidelined with a knee injury sustained in the Blues’ Round Seven Super Rugby victory over the Stormers in Auckland.

That was the latest in a long list of injuries the 33-year-old has had in recent years and there has been speculation over his ability to make the world champions’ squad for the global showpiece in Japan.

“I understand why people would say he’s running out of time. But is he really?” Hansen told AAP.

He revealed that Williams is running again and would probably be available to play for the Blues in a fortnight.

“He’s already proved himself. He’s played 51 tests. That’s a lot of Test matches, that’s a lot of proving,” added Hansen.

“What we need to see is him getting back on the track. Then we’ve got to ask ourselves is his fitness good enough for him to be selected in the team?

“We play five Test matches before we have to name the World Cup team, so does he deserve the opportunity to show us whether he’s still good enough?

“Of course he does because he’s played 50 Test matches.”

Hansen also said other senior players like Ben Smith (hamstring), Owen Franks (shoulder), Dane Coles (calf) and Brodie Retallick (wrist) were making good progress in their recovery from injuries.