Two weeks ago Williams formed a midfield partnership with Rieko Ioane. Now the Blues are forced to turn to TJ Faiane or George Moala to fill the void.
More broadly, the battle for the All Blacks No 12 jersey appeared to be just heating up.
It now becomes more of a focus.
Sure, Williams has the starting role pretty much locked down. But that hasn't stopped Laumape charging full noise into the challenge of attempting to unseat him before next year's World Cup.
With Williams set to miss six-to-eight weeks after fracturing his wrist against the Stormers in Cape Town last week, Laumape's form becomes all the more relevant.
Williams will be expected to return in time for the All Blacks' three-test series against France in June but that injury time-frame means he could be somewhat underdone.
The 32-year-old is the type of player who gets better with continuity and regular game-time. This proved the case last year after a slow comeback from Achilles surgery.
By the northern tour, Williams was back near his best after adding subtle kicking variations at the line to his repertoire. Before that, though, the All Blacks had to be patient.
This year, Laumape started in better touch. His devastating combination with All Blacks and Hurricanes playmaker Beauden Barrett continues to develop, and his love affair with bowling over first-fives is enough to cause headaches for opposition defences.
With everyone fit the All Blacks favour the balanced midfield duo of Williams and Ryan Crotty, believing their experience and compatibility gives them the best of both worlds.
Williams will be back, but it will take him time to get going again, and Crotty is battling repeated concussions.
When considering options at second-five, how fortunate the All Blacks are to have Laumape waiting in the wings.
Anton Lienert-Brown is also comfortable at 12 and then there's Jack Goodhue putting his hand up for centre.
Not a bad place to be, even with the two incumbents sidelined.
