The long-awaited rugby comeback of veteran All Black lock Ali Williams (pictured in 2007) lasted less than four minutes Friday when a recurring Achilles injury saw him hobble off the field in a pre-season match. The 61-Test veteran, who missed all rugby Tests last year because of Achilles problems, is expected to undergo surgery again next week after turning out for the Blues against the Chiefs.

The long-awaited rugby comeback of veteran All Black lock Ali Williams lasted less than four minutes Friday when a recurring Achilles injury saw him hobble off the field in a pre-season match.

The 61-Test veteran, who missed all rugby Tests last year because of Achilles problems, is expected to undergo surgery again next week after turning out for the Blues against the Chiefs.

He fell awkwardly and struggled to put weight on his lower right leg as he was assisted from the field by medical staff.

A Blues spokesman said the extent of the damage was hard to determine but admitted a worst-case scenario could see the 28-year-old ruled out for all of 2010.

If Williams is again forced out of international rugby it will be a blow to All Blacks coach Graham Henry, who struggled to replace the athletic Aucklander last year.

Test novice Isaac Ross was called up to locking partner Brad Thorn for the domestic Tri-Nations Test series but was then replaced by provincial journeyman Tom Donnelly for the end-of-year northern hemisphere tour.

Williams’ long-time All Blacks second row partner Chris Jack has returned to New Zealand this year after two years overseas but is sidelined for the next month because of a wrist injury.