All Blacks management were yesterday conciliatory in regard to the Irish impediment to their rugby Grand Slam despite their hosts alarming lack of recent form -- and it seems personnel who were on the periphery at Murrayfield last weekend may be also placated when the team is announced on Thursday (NZT).
Williams, man of the match when Scotland were routed 49-3, could be confined to creating havoc via the bench when the All Blacks make their first visit to Aviva Stadium.
When the All Blacks trained vigorously for the first time since arriving from Edinburgh, it appeared Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith were likely to reunite in midfield for the first time since the Bledisloe Cup defeat in Hong Kong on October 30.
Nonu and Smith, who have graciously mentored Williams since his meteoric rise to double international status, look certain to be rewarded for a selfless approach in dealing with a disruptive influence on their careers.
All Blacks head coach Graham Henry made five changes between Twickenham and the Scottish test - a similar number are anticipated, and none will be considered a relief by the Irish.
Despite their recent separation Nonu and Smith remain on the same wave length after playing 26 tests together since 2008 - Gordon D'Arcy and Brian O'Driscoll may be softened up before Williams is introduced.
After two frustrating tests watching Hosea Gear justify his position on the wing, Cory Jane should be fit to return from chest and shoulder injuries sustained against the Wallabies.
With Gear established on the left flank, utility back Isaia Toeava could be demoted to accommodate Jane's return while Joe Rokocoko - the only specialist wing in the squad other than Gear - remains on the outer.
Henry's intention to give all three halfbacks an opportunity to start could see Andy Ellis promoted from the bench to the run-on side for the first time since the Italy test in Milan 12 months ago.
Although Liam Messam produced arguably the finest performance of his six-test career against Scotland the versatile loose forward was only ever envisaged as cover for a resting Jerome Kaino - the abrasive blindside is likely to return to action for the first time since he was yellow carded nine minutes from the end of the England test.
Otago lock Tom Donnelly, outside the match day squad since Hong Kong, may also be on the brink of returning to the second row alongside Brad Thorn after Sam Whitelock started both tests in the UK.
Thorn ended training prematurely today with a tight hamstring though it is not considered serious, meaning the 35-year-old should reach another significant milestone of his professional footballing career on Sunday.
If fit Thorn will play the 50th test of an All Black career he deliberately started belatedly before augmenting it with a three-season return to the National Rugby League in 2005.
Thorn famously refused an All Black jersey in 2001, the year he switched codes from the Brisbane Broncos, explaining he did not deserve the honour.
He eventually made his debut in 2003 and has developed into the bedrock of the forward pack.
"Brad, he brings a lot," said captain Richie McCaw.
"I guess the fact he's still around at 35 and still performing pretty well .... it shows you he's got a huge burning desire to do what he does.
The Irish test also looms as a memorable evening for McCaw and Mils Muliaina, who are poised to break Sean Fitzpatrick's 92-cap record after equalling it amid fanfare in Murrayfield.
"It felt a bit funny talking about it last week when you only became even," McCaw said.
"It's a pretty proud thing to achieve a milestone like that but I just hope we can go out and perform -- that's what you want to remember it for."
While Thorn, McCaw and Muliaina's landmarks will be guaranteed by inclusion in the 22-man squad, an eventual All Black success also ticks off another milestone for Henry - his 100th test match victory.
Henry has guided the All Blacks to 76 wins since his tenure began in 2004. He also has 22 triumphs with Wales (1998-2002) and the first test of the British and Irish Lion tour of Australia in 2001 on the positive side of his coaching ledger.
