Henry gives Williams the green light

All Blacks coach Graham Henry said lock Ali Williams was on track to play in Saturday's opening Tri Nations Test, against South Africa, at Wellington's Westpac Stadium.

At the final press conference before the game, Henry said Williams, who took a fall during Thursday's training run, was exactly where he was expected to be in his recovery from an ankle injury suffered during the second Test against England last month.

"It was always going to be a challenge, that hasn't changed.

"We expect him to play, he will train today, and we expect him to play tomorrow night," he said.

Henry admitted that Williams was very important to the side, he would be playing his 50th Test and he provided an anchor-like role in a position in which New Zealand does not have a lot of depth.

Regarded as something of a character who had his run ins with his Blues bosses, Williams transferred to the Crusaders this year and was part of the Super 14-winning side.

Henry said he was great to have in the side and had the ability to lessen tensions at times when they should be lessened.

"He's a good pro, he always plays well in the big games for the All Blacks and that is very important," he said.

The replacement lock Kevin O'Neill, who was called in as cover for Williams, will stay with the side and will go through the warm-ups on Saturday night.

Henry was mindful that it was last year that Keith Robinson suffered an injury that forced him out of a Test during the warm-ups.