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NZ sweat on Williams injury again

Tuesday 08th July 2008

Crucial battle: Williams against Matfield

The All Blacks are once again sweating over the fitness of lock Ali Williams ahead of the second Tri-Nations Test against South Africa at Carisbrook on Saturday.

Williams was one of the home side's star performers in their 19-8 win last weekend after suffering from an ankle injury in the week leading up to the tournament opener.

With the New Zealand line-out already weakened by the absence of Brad Thorn due to suspension, the All Blacks' medical team are facing a race against time as Williams' ankle is playing up again.

The 2.02m, 112kg lock was forced to watch training from the sidelines on Tuesday as the world's number-one-ranked team prepared to face the world champions.

"Ali is a wee bit sorer than he was last week, actually," Head Coach Graham Henry told NZPA.

"His ankle is probably a bit more stable. But it is causing a bit of pain. So we are just trying to help him get through that."

"I thought he was outstanding [on Saturday]. Nine out of 10, you can't give 10 can you?" commented Henry on Williams' performance in Wellington.

Williams, if fit, will be partnered with Anthony Boric in the second row with the uncapped Kevin O'Neill added to the bench.

After a strong first half display, the All Blacks line-out went to pieces in the second period last weekend losing six of their line-out throws to the Springboks

Forwards coach Steve Hansen said Boric, who will make his first Test start on Saturday after two games off the bench against England was up to the challenge of the Bok line-out.

"He is a very intelligent man and has good systems in place (which mean) he will be able to go out and perform," said Hansen.