For once the All Blacks starting XV are almost of secondary importance as the composition of the reserves bench takes on an element of intrigue before the Bledisloe Cup test at Hong Kong Stadium on Saturday.
Is this year's fourth and final test against Australia an opportune time to introduce
Sonny Bill Williams to international rugby?
Unsurprisingly, assistant coach Steve Hansen - who last week urged the travelling media contingent not to prematurely broadcast the team based on what they witnessed at training - would not speculate on whether Williams would feature before today's team announcement (12.30pm NZT).
"Our thinking at this stage is we'll play Sonny when we feel he's ready to play," a cryptic Hansen said when asked if the strapping league second rower turned rugby second five-eighths would be included in the seven-man bench as midfield cover ahead of Isaia Toeava.
Despite playing only seven provincial games for Canterbury since returning from France with ambitions of playing at next year's World Cup, there is little doubt Williams warrants his inclusion as the only new All Black on tour.
Hansen joined the throng of rugby aficionados and officials to laud Williams' transition to New Zealand rugby from Toulon but reiterated the 25-year-old was still coming to grips with his new environment.
"Like any new person who comes into the All Blacks, the intensity is different, the professionalism's different and sometimes that takes a little bit of adjusting to," Hansen said.
Williams, who met teammates he had not already encountered in domestic rugby only at a three-day pre-departure camp in Auckland last week, was assimilating well.
"He's settled in pretty good," said Hansen, and not unexpectedly considering "he's been a professional athlete since he was 15".
The second leg of the Grand Slam bid against Scotland at Murrayfield on November 14 (NZT) is expected to be Williams' debut but the selectors may opt to usher him in the during final quarter of the England test next weekend, or even sooner.
Wallabies assistant coach Jim Williams would welcome the former Kiwis international's involvement, although his players were not as keen.
"It's a matter of timing about when they bring him in, they've got a tough tour with a Grand Slam," Williams said, adding: "It would be great all the same to see him out there."
Wallabies pivot Quade Cooper was wary about the 108kg Williams heading down his defensive channel if he replaces Ma'a Nonu.
"He is a giant. He can defend hard, he can put a massive hit on and he can break tackles and offload with one hand. It's crazy. He's big, man," said Cooper.
"He's got some massive shoulders. He's built like a bodybuilder, and prancing and running around, it's not going to be the most exciting thing trying to tackle him.
"Him running off Dan Carter, that's not something I like thinking about."
Meanwhile, both sides are expected to unveil their best available lineups, barring any dramas at training today.
Carter returns to first five-eighths after missing last month's Tri-Nations finale in Sydney with an ankle injury; Joe Rokocoko replaces an invalided Israel Dagg on the wing; while Jerome Kaino completes the first-choice loose trio at the expense of the non-touring Victor Vito.
The Wallabies are expected to make two changes from the side pipped 23-22 in Sydney on September 11, with prop Ben Alexander, fit again after his June knee injury, supplanting Salesi Ma'afu. Drew Mitchell is also likely to shunt Lachie Turner from a wing berth.
The All Blacks team to face Australia is named at 12.30pm. Check nzherald.co.nz for the latest news.
- NZPA
Sonny Bill Williams walks through the shops around Causeway Bay in Hong Kong. Photo / Getty Images
For once the All Blacks starting XV are almost of secondary importance as the composition of the reserves bench takes on an element of intrigue before the Bledisloe Cup test at Hong Kong Stadium on Saturday.
Is this year's fourth and final test against Australia an opportune time to introduce
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