Sonny Bill made to wait

Williams faced an independent committee hearing on Tuesday after he appealed the original World Rugby Judicial Committee decision to include this year's first Bledisloe Cup clash as part of his four-match ban for a shoulder charge.

However, the committee has reserved its decision after the two-hour hearing.

The appeal committee – made up of chair Graeme Mew (Canada), Shao-Ing Wang (Singapore) and Stefan Terblanche (South Africa) – committed to delivering its decision as soon as practicable given the circumstances.

Williams was handed a four-match ban after being red-carded in the second Test loss to the British and Irish Lions, becoming the first All Black to be sent off in 50 years.

New Zealand coach Steve Hansen said last month that he was confident the centre would be available to face Australia in Sydney.

However, World Rugby judiciary disagreed, rejecting New Zealand's bid to include a Counties Manukau trial match as part of Williams' ban.