All Blacks prop Williams ruled out of France series

All Blacks prop Tamaiti Williams has been ruled out of the test series against France with a knee injury, New Zealand Rugby (NZR) confirmed on Monday.

Williams pulled up sore after helping the Canterbury Crusaders beat the Waikato Chiefs in the Super Rugby championship-decider, and scans later revealed a torn meniscus. NZR said surgery would be required.

George Bower has been brought into the squad to replace Williams ahead of the series-opener against the French in Dunedin on Saturday.