All Blacks: Williams called in as cover for Muliaina

Paul Williams had a solid season for the Highlanders. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Canterbury and Highlanders fullback Paul Williams has been called into the All Blacks rugby squad following concerns about the fitness of Mils Muliaina.

Williams, son of legendary All Blacks winger Bryan, trained with the squad in Auckland today ahead of the first test against England at Eden park on Saturday night.

Muliaina, who missed training earlier in the week with a head cold, strained a hamstring during practice yesterday.

The 57-test veteran has not been ruled out of the starting line-up and took part in light duties at the match venue today.

He will be monitored again tomorrow.

Should he be ruled out Leon MacDonald will likely be promoted from the reserves.

The uncapped Williams, who had a solid Super 14 season after being drafted to the Dunedin-based franchise, has been in the frame since being selected for a training squad before the All Blacks team for the June internationals and Tri-Nations was announced.

- NZPA