All Black prop ruled out ahead of France series

New Zealand prop Tamaiti Williams was on Monday ruled out with a knee injury that will require surgery.

It is the second setback for the All Blacks in a matter of days, with rising loose forward star Wallace Sititi also sidelined and needing an operation for an ankle issue.

Williams sustained a torn meniscus during the recent Super Rugby Final, in which his team, the Crusaders, beat the Chiefs.

“Scans have revealed the tear,” New Zealand Rugby said. “Assessment by a surgeon this morning has confirmed surgery will be required.”

George Bower has been brought into the squad to replace him.

New Zealand face France in Dunedin, Wellington and Hamilton, with the first Test on July 5.\