Update: Sonny Bill Williams has appealed the World Rugby Judicial Comittee's decision.
All Blacks midfielder Sonny Bill Williams will miss the opening Bledisloe Cup Test after World Rugby denied an attempt to have him see out his suspension playing a trial match.
Williams was sidelined by the governing body's judiciary committee for four games following his red card incident during the second Test against the British and Irish Lions.
New Zealand Rugby were of the opinion that, combined with the final Test against the Lions and the Blues' contest with the Sunwolves, an upcoming pre-season game for Counties-Manuakau and an inter-squad match would be sufficient to complete his suspension.
However, the committee ruled overnight (NZT) that they "expressed some reservations" about the Counties 'A' vs Counties 'B' trial, stating it wasn't a "meaningful match" and therefore would not have had a "meaningful consequence for the player".
"Following due consideration, the disciplinary committee has ruled that Williams' suspension will extend up to and including 19 August. As such, he is free to play again from 20 August," they continued in their statement.
The first Bledisloe Test in Sydney takes place on August 19, meaning Williams will have to wait until the following weekend in Dunedin to make his return to the field.
The All Blacks attempted to justify their now annual "Game of three halves" warm-up match against Counties and Taranaki, but that appeal was also rejected.
"When viewed objectively, it is, in our opinion, a training match, or, as was referred to by [Williams'] counsel, a warm-up match," said World Rugby.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen will likely return to the starting midfield combination of Ryan Crotty and Anton Lienert-Brown in his absence.
Newshub.
