All Blacks: Williams now out of Tri Nations

Ali Williams is out for the next couple of months. Photo / Brett Phibbs

All Blacks coach Graham Henry has ruled lock Ali Williams out of the Tri-Nations.

Henry says Williams looks like he will need an operation on his Achilles tendon which will happen next week, and Williams is in doubt for the rest of the year.

Williams' involvement in the early part of the Tri-Nations series began to look bleak after he withdrew from his first test of the season because of persistent Achilles tendon problems.

The All Black lock felt further pain in the back of his ankle yesterday at training and has been replaced in the side by hometown choice Isaac Ross with Bryn Evans coming on to the bench for tomorrow's test against Italy.

Williams' withdrawal continues a wretched season after an early back problem eliminated him from the start of the Super 14 before his Achilles problems started against the Waratahs at Eden Park. He returned three rounds later against the Hurricanes but had to be replaced and has not played since.

The 28-year-old was picked on reputation for the June squad and a belief he would recover in time for this test.

"It's disappointing for Ali and over the next 48 hours we will determine the next best course of action as far as his injury management is concerned," All Blacks doctor Deb Robinson said.

Williams has played 61 tests and has already indicated he wants to take time out next year to prolong his international future.

His withdrawal evens up the experience in the rival second rows where Italian lock and former captain Marco Bortolami has 76 caps alongside rookie compatriot Quintin Geldenhuys.

Italian coach Nick Mallett revealed his side yesterday and an optimism that they can give a solid account while warning they were beaten by France in the Six Nations by about 40 points.

Former Penrith league star Craig Gower would lead the backline from five-eighths and was developing quickly after his switch of codes. He had strong skills, understood space and had the big match temperament necessary to play in that role.

He had some behaviour issues in the past but Mallett said he was content to give the five-eighths a second chance.

"I expect him to pay back his rugby mates."

Italy were looking at this as another great opportunity to rub shoulders, compete and learn from one of the great rugby nations. They would compete at first phase in the set piece but needed to lift their game in defence to combat the greater agility of players in this part of the world.

Mallett said the test would be about choices, playing to teams' strengths, and tests were all about making play uncomfortable for the opposition.

It was a great compliment to the Italians that the All Blacks backline looked to be the best they could muster and the visitors were envious of the depth of talent in this country.

Rugby was growing in popularity in Italy and Mallett repeated a "vote for us message" from his nation's officials who are presenting plans for their 2015 World Cup bid to New Zealand officials this week.

* additional reporting by Newstalk ZB