The four-match tour of Europe, which starts with a test against Scotland in Edinburgh on November 12, is his ultimate goal, and although he has a big supporter in All Blacks coach Steve Hansen, the 31-year old Williams is running out of time to prove himself.
He managed 60 minutes for Auckland against North Harbour in the ITM Cup on Sunday - his first game since appearing for the All Blacks in the second test against Ireland in Christchurch on June 16. A knee operation straight after that narrow victory at AMI Stadium put him out for almost four months and he has a maximum of three games left this season if Auckland make the final.
He is unlikely to be considered for the third Bledisloe Cup test against Australia in Brisbane a week on Saturday.
In his favour, however, is the fact that the All Blacks are likely to take four locks to Europe, and, with few others putting their hands up, that puts 75-test veteran Williams in the frame next to Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano and Brodie Retallick despite his lack of game time and ordinary Super Rugby form with the Blues.
Asked today (Tues) if he felt he was still a contender for the All Blacks, his answer was short and to the point.
"Yes, I wouldn't be playing if I didn't."
Humour and Williams are comfortable bedfellows - he described his feelings on returning to play at North Harbour Stadium as akin to a "fat kid in a candy store", but there is no doubt the long lay-off recuperating an injured knee was difficult and tested it to the fullest. And this after two serious Achilles tendon injuries over the past few years.
"There are always times when you think, 'sh*t what am I doing this for', but the reality of rugby comes through - and that is that you enjoy what you do and a lot of it more than anything is the camaraderie with your mates and you do put some pretty good bonds together with a lot of guys," he said. "That's the thing I miss, being around my mates."
Williams said he hadn't had a lot of contact with the All Blacks coaches recently, though his rehabilitation had been monitored from on high.
"In terms of contact, I'm in the same boat as everyone else. You've got to perform and from there they will talk to you.
"It's a bonus," he said of the European tour. "To be honest I'm fully committed to this goal here."
Which brings us to Williams playing for Auckland in the National Provincial Competition for the first time since 2007.
"The type of rugby is challenging," he said. "The boys love running it in this competition and the reality too is the difference between the two sides isn't much and anyone can beat anyone else.
"I was a little bit sore [after Sunday] but that's to be expected. I'll wean myself back into it. It's a short turnaround which is a struggle as well but that's to be expected."
Now he is back on the treadmill he has given himself a chance of getting back into the big time, though right now keeping up with the high-tempo game the All Blacks have adopted must seem a long way off.
"I think they've found another gear, in terms of their ability to challenge defences in other ways and defensively they're very strong. I think they've stepped up, which is going to happen when you spend a lot of time together.
"They're in good stead, there's a lot of enjoyment out there. It always starts with the older guys leading and that's what they're doing - Dan and Richie and the likes playing so well. It's good to see. I'm just a big fan at the moment."
