Sonny Bill Williams is a noticeable absentee from today's first All Blacks training session in Auckland, as the team prepares for the Rugby Championship.
Williams was provisionally named in the side for the first two tests subject to paper work being finalised from Japanese club Panasonic, where the midfielder will begin playing at the end of the month.
The coach Steve Hansen is due to give an update on Williams' situation shortly.
While the Chiefs and Crusaders have been playing recently, some of the other players, including those from the Highlanders last played 5 weeks ago.
Number eight Kieren Read has also been out that long and his rib injury will be tested today.
The All Blacks will play Counties-Manukau and Auckland in a couple of short matches tonight.
The All Blacks first test is against Australia in Sydney next weekend.
