All Blacks lock Ali Williams faces at least six months on the sidelines after rupturing his Achilles tendon in the opening minutes of his rugby comeback match on Friday afternoon.
It was the 28-year-old's first game since undergoing surgery on his Achilles tendon last year, and the latest rupture occurred just below the area that was previously operated on.
The Blues went on to win the Super 14 pre-season hitout against the Chiefs 31-21, but will be looking for a new vice captain, with Williams ruled out of rugby for at least six months.
Williams says he knew what he'd done as soon as it happened and he will undergo surgery early next week.
