The wider impact of the injury that ended Sonny Bill Williams' Olympics tournament hasn't been lost on New Zealand Rugby CEO Steve Tew.
Tew confirmed reports that Williams would miss up to nine months with a partial Achilles tear, as well as the elimination of Joe Webber from the tournament due to a shoulder injury.
"He had a big year in front of him," he said. "Unfortunately that's the nature of sport."
"Devastating for both him [Williams] and Joe [Webber]. Both out of the Olympics before you get through your first game, that's pretty tough."
Williams' injury also comes as a big blow to the All Blacks, Williams set to miss their upcoming Rugby Championship defense.
"Steve [Hansen] and his fellow selectors will be rethinking their midfield plans, but you have to have faith in the next guy to come in."
The injury was suffered in a shock loss to Japan in the side's opening pool game of the tournament.
"I think we've just given South Africa a bit of relief,'" said Tew, referring to the Springboks' shock loss to Japan at the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
"Japan played extremely well. They got in our faces, didn’t give us any time or any space and frankly, on the day we just weren't good enough."
Newshub.
