Bledisloe cameo for Sonny Bill?
Sonny Bill Williams is expected to be named in the All Blacks squad for the Rugby Championship, although he will only be available for two matches.
According to reports in the New Zealand media the high profile centre will play in the two Bledisloe Cup matches against Australia before leaving to take up his contract with Japanese club Panasonic Wild Knights.
The starv midfielder has been in great form for the Chiefs on their path to the Super Rugby Final in Hamilton next week and All Blacks captain Richie McCaw told Fairfax NZ News that he could prove valuable given their current injury concerns.
"If he's available, you saw the way he played tonight[Friday]. If he's keen and it all works well I don't see that being a problem to be honest.
"Losing a guy like Conrad [Smith] who is very experienced, having Sonny available, he's got some experience now, it would be positive," said McCaw.
Williams will not be named in the All Black training squad to be announced on Monday as he is training with the Chiefs in preparation for their final against the Sharks but is expected to be named in the final 28-man squad next Sunday if the Wild Knights agree.
With both Richard Kahui and Conrad Smith sidelined through injury there is a concern over New Zealand's midfield depth, although some might disagree with Tim Bateman, Ryan Crotty and Ma'a Nonu all options that will be available for the entire competition.
All Blacks playmaker Dan Carter agreed with his captain that having Williams around, even just for two matches, would be worth it.
"They are pretty important matches first up. It'd be great to have him in the team. If he's available and can play it would be huge for us, especially with Conrad being out," he said.
