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'The ultimate professional' - Ryan Crotty 'gutted' for SBW after latest injury, certain he'll come back stronger

November 13, 2018

The All Blacks midfielder says Williams has already shifted his focus to helping others.

Ryan Crotty has paid tribute to injured midfield teammate Sonny Bill Williams, calling him the "ultimate professional" as he looks to overcome yet another injury this season.

Williams will miss this Sunday's Test against Ireland in Dublin yesterday after suffering a grade one injury to the AC joint in his shoulder during the All Blacks' 16-15 win over England.

Crotty said it was rough for the 33-year-old.

"I'm gutted for him," he said.

"You see him behind the scenes, you see how hard he works, how hard he's worked to get back from a couple of niggly injuries so for it to set him back again, it's tough.

"But he's got a pretty mature outlook on things - he takes these things in his stride and he'll come back stronger.

"He's the ultimate professional."

Williams has been plagued by injuries throughout 2018. 

Since starting the third Test against France on June 23 in Dunedin, Williams has only made five Test appearances broken up over 275 minutes of play. He appeared in just six of the Blues' 16 Super Rugby matches this year.

Ngani Laumape has been called into the squad as injury cover for this weekend, but coach Steve Hansen hopes Williams will be available next week for the tour-ending clash with Italy.

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