Time is running out for Sonny Bill Williams to prove his All Blacks credentials after injury ruled him out of another provincial match for Canterbury.

Former rugby league star Williams' name was missing from the side named on Thursday to play Tasman in Nelson on Saturday, once again due to a tight hamstring.

Apart from 50 minutes with club side Belfast two weeks ago, Williams hasn't played since arriving in New Zealand last month.

He was recovering from minor knee surgery when he moved from Australia and then suffered the hamstring strain while playing for Belfast.

Williams, 24, gave up a lucrative contract with French club Toulon to chase a goal of playing for the All Blacks but his odds of being selected for the season-ending tour will reduce with every game that he misses.

The tour begins with a Test against Australia in Hong Kong on October 30.

He didn't train with the team this week, instead focusing on his own recuperation.

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