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'He’s too valuable': Hansen says All Backs won't risk 'flattening' a sick Sonny Bill

September 13, 2018

The All Blacks coach discussed the risks associated with SBW making his comeback to rugby off the bench against South Africa.

Sonny Bill Williams is out of this Saturday's Rugby Championship Test for the All Blacks against the Springboks at Westpac Stadium in Wellington.

Williams was initially named on the bench in the All Blacks' 23 man squad, but hasn't recovered from tonsillitis he suffered earlier in the week.

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"He's had tonsillitis all week and at the end of the day it was whether we chuck him out on the reserve bench and flatten him if he has to come on and play 80 minutes or take the risk and he only has to play 20," coach Steve Hansen said.

"In the end he's too valuable to do that to and we've got good replacements." 

He is replaced by teammate Jack Goodhue on the bench.

Williams hasn’t played since he injured his shoulder in the French Test series in June.

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