3 Sep 2018

Crotty could return to ABs this week

9:29 am on 3 September 2018

The All Blacks midfielder Ryan Crotty is set for a dramatic return to the team lineup just three weeks after another sickening head knock.

Ryan Crotty

Ryan Crotty Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2018 www.photosport.nz

Crotty could return for the All Blacks against Argentina in Nelson this weekend after being knocked unconscious in the first Bledisloe test against Australia in Sydney on August 18th.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen described Crotty and flanker Sam Cane as "symptom-free" after recent head knocks, and would be monitored ahead of the inaugural test in Nelson.

Cane also suffered a head knock in the second Bledisloe Cup Test at Eden Park.

But Sonny Bill Williams is definitely out, with Hansen saying the second five-eighth would return to contact training this week and potentially be considered to face South Africa in Wellington next week.

Wiliams missed the June series with a knee injury and the start of the Rugby Championship with a shoulder injury.

- RNZ