Williams given a Friday deadline
Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:10
Lock Ali Williams remains a touch-and-go prospect as the All Blacks brace themselves for a torrid forward battle against South Africa in the opening match of the Tri-Nations series in wintry Wellington on Saturday.
Williams sent a scare through the camp when he went down clutching his already-sore ankle at training on Thursday, after landing awkwardly during a line-out drill, reports the NZ Herald website.
He eventually resumed and completed a session in which he otherwise appeared unaffected as the teams continued preparations for Saturday's opening Tri-Nations Test.
An All Blacks spokesperson said Williams' status was unchanged and the 49-Test forward's sprain would be assessed on Friday by medical staff as planned.
With Williams a pivotal figure to combat the Springboks' line-out, it was a chilling moment for the All Blacks on another cold, wet day in the capital.
Conditions threaten to turn the match at Westpac Stadium into a slog.
Rain and very cold temperatures are forecast for the Test and All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith admits they are preparing for something similar to the freezing season-opening Test against Ireland at the same venue last month.
