Rugby: Sam Cane backs Chiefs teammate Anton Lienert-Brown as Sonny Bill Williams' replacement

Sam Cane is backing Chiefs teammate Anton Lienert-Brown to replace Sonny Bill Williams in the All Blacks midfield for the upcoming series against France.

Williams has been ruled out after he aggravated an old knee injury while training and a scan later revealed a loose piece of bone in the joint.

The 32-year-old is the second player of the original 33-man squad to pull out of the French series due to injury after Tim Perry suffered a hamstring strain.

Crusaders stalwart Ryan Crotty and Williams were primed to start in all three tests against the French, but injuries have plagued that pairing.

Cane says whoever is called up to replace Williams is deserving of the role and will step up to the plate.

"We've seen Anton for a couple of years going really well and then the form that Jack's (Goodhue) been in this year has been pretty exceptional too.

"Whatever happens, they'll be guys that will step up," he said.

Anton Lienert-Brown finds some open space against the Blues. Photo / Getty Images

However, the All Blacks co-vice captain's immediate focus is on the local derby match against the Crusaders tonight.

Cane returns after spending a few weeks on the sideline with an injury himself and will come off the bench against the top of the table side.

He's looking forward to the battle up front against the rampaging forwards of the Crusaders who pride themselves on the set piece.

"We've got to go well at set piece time, they pride themselves at the driving maul, either defending them or attacking-wise," Cane said.

"We gotta be sharp there and I think our discipline has to be right on the money.

"Mo'unga's got a good kicking game, he'll plug the corners and they can drive from there - starting to sound like a South African team. But, they do those things really well."

The Chiefs take on the Crusaders at FMG Stadium in Hamilton tonight at 7:35 pm, tune into the Herald's live blog at 7:00 pm to keep up-to-date with all the action.

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