Reinforcements.

Sonny Bill Williams will miss this weekend’s Test with Ireland at the Aviva Stadium after picking up an AC joint injury in the win over England at Twickenham.

Williams lasted just 36 minutes in the 16-15 win, having been replaced early on by Ryan Crotty in midfield. Ngani Laumape, who scored three tries against Japan last week, has been called up as a replacement.

“There’s a pretty good chance he’ll (Sonny Bill Williams) be right for Italy so he’ll stay but Ngani is coming over to make sure if we lose someone this week we’ve got someone,” All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said.

The All Blacks are expected to name their team early Thursday morning.