All Blacks prop Tamaiti Williams has been ruled out of the test series against France with a knee injury, New Zealand Rugby (NZR) confirmed on Monday.
Williams pulled up sore after helping the Crusaders beat the Chiefs in the Super Rugby championship-decider, and scans later revealed a torn meniscus. NZR said surgery would be required.
George Bower has been brought into the squad to replace Williams ahead of the series opener against the French in Dunedin on Saturday.