Sonny Bill Williams ban could be blessing for All Blacks | Gerard Meagher


Steve Hansen, New Zealand’s coach, has plenty of potential replacements for the suspended centre for the third Test against the British & Irish Lions

Not long after Warren Gatland had named his British & Irish Lions squad in April Steve Hansen warned his compatriot against trying to replicate Ireland’s method of victory against the All Blacks in Chicago. It will be intriguing to hear if Gatland has any words of wisdom for his rival this week; to hear what he may think of New Zealand looking to bounce back from defeat in the same manner as against Ireland, a couple of weeks later in Dublin.

This is not least because the suspension of Sonny Bill Williams means there is every chance Malakai Fekitoa will return to the All Blacks midfield alongside Anton Lienert-Brown, as he was at the Aviva Stadium.

Related: All Blacks defeats are so rare they make it their duty to learn from them | Andy Bull

Related: Sonny Bill Williams bears brunt of criticism after All Blacks defeat

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