Rugby: All Blacks ponder protest after SBW ruled out of Bledisloe opener

Sonny Bill Williams leaves the field against the British & Irish Lions. Photo/Photosport

The All Blacks are considering lodging an appeal, after Sonny Bill Williams was rubbed out of the opening Bledisloe Cup test by three Australians.

It was initially hoped Williams' four-week suspension for his hit on Lions wing Anthony Watson, one that saw him red-carded in the second test in Wellington, would be served in time for the August 19 test in Sydney.

But a World Rugby panel compromising three Australians - including former Wallabies David Croft and John Langford - deemed the All Blacks hit-out against Counties Manukau and Taranaki one week before the first Bledisloe was not worthy of a "match" and therefore ruled Williams out of the test.

The All Blacks have 48 hours to appeal the decision and while Williams' lawyer at the hearing, Stephen Cottrell, would not discuss any details when approached, it is understood the All Blacks are considering an appeal.

World Rugby released the outcome on its website early this morning (NZT), but the long-form decision is simply dated July 26, meaning the All Blacks and their legal team must swiftly decide whether to appeal.

If they decide not to challenge the decision, attention will turn to Williams' replacement at second five-eighth, where Ngani Laumape will be favoured to get the call-up, after his impressive starting debut in the final drawn test against the Lions at Eden Park.

The Hurricanes No 12 has proven one of the finds of the season and would seemingly offer the most like-for-like replacement.

If all contenders are fit, Ryan Crotty would probably start at centre, with Anton Lienert-Brown able to cover both roles from the bench.​