Sonny Bill Williams may yet play for the All Blacks again this year, despite having signed to play in Japan.
With Conrad Smith having been ruled out through injury for at least the first two rugby championship tests against Australia next month and another leading candidate Richard Kahui also out through injury, there's a lack of test experience in the position.
Williams departure was expected to rule him out selection contention but the New Zealand rugby union's chief executive Steve Tew says Williams is still eligible to play for the All Blacks.
Tew says All Blacks coach Steve Hansen and his fellow selectors have a major selection meeting over the weekend where the matter will be discussed.
