All Blacks Prop Williams Ruled Out France Series Knee Injury

New Zealand All Blacks prop Tamaiti Williams has been ruled out of the upcoming three-Test series against France due to a knee injury requiring surgery, sustained as a torn meniscus during the recent Super Rugby final where the Crusaders defeated the Chiefs. This injury represents a significant setback for the All Blacks, who have also lost rising loose forward star Wallace Sititi to an ankle injury requiring surgery. Williams, regarded as one of the top looseheads globally, had played through pain in the qualifier before the final but will now be sidelined for up to eight weeks. George Bower has been called up to replace Williams in the squad ahead of the series starting July 5 in Dunedin. Additional squad adjustments include Christian Lio-Willie joining as cover for Sititi, while Luke Jacobson remains out following concussion protocols. The injuries have forced the All Blacks to reconsider their starting lineup, with Ethan de Groot expected to start and Ollie Norris likely to debut off the bench.