France test match

Cross-code star Williams is poised to be recalled for the third Test against France on Saturday in a swift recuperation which has foiled a planned a holiday with his family.

Keyhole surgery on a knee problem three weeks ago was meant to require six weeks' recovery but the 32-year-old is instead in line for a 47th cap and just his second Test appearance at the Forsyth Barr Stadium indoor venue.

The first came last August when Williams' spilled a handful of early passes and helped open the door for Australia before the hosts charged home to retain the Bledisloe Cup.

Hansen has called in locks Luke Romano and Tom Franklin and flanker Matt Todd into the squad as cover.

The All Blacks were always going to be without captain Kieran Read, who is still recovering from back surgery, but the number eight has been joined on the casualty list by a handful of other first-choice players.

The latest was Brodie Retallick, who suffered a pectoral injury playing for the Waikato Chiefs in Super Rugby on Saturday.

Chiefs coach Colin Cooper said the injury was serious and Retallick was unlikely to face the French in Auckland on Saturday.

Brilliant winger Ioane was in isolation for periods in London last week after medical staff identified he had contracted the infectious viral disease.

The same problem previously struck uncapped Crusaders centre Jack Goodhue, who stayed home through most of the first week of the tour. He missed what would have been an international debut against the Barbarians.

Goodhue has improved but Ioane is being carefully monitored and is an uncertain starter for the French clash in Paris on Saturday, the opening Test of the tour.