A week after singing to the world under hospital medication, Sonny Bill Williams is poised to make a surprise return to the All Blacks.
Coach Steve Hansen says Williams is a chance to play in the third Test against France in Dunedin on June 23, having made a rapid recovering from knee surgery.
The 32-year-old inside centre was initially ruled out of the three-Test series after loose cartilage was found in his knee.
He is cleared to resume training next week but won't be considered for the second Test in Wellington on Saturday.
The good news comes seven days after Williams posted a clip on twitter in which he serenades hospital staff from his bed while on "very strong" meds.
Elsewhere, uncapped loose forward Jordan Taufua has been ruled out of the series with a calf tear suffered during an All Blacks training camp.
It means his Crusaders teammate Matt Todd will remain in the squad after being called in as cover.
