Williams returned to the All Blacks against Samoa at Eden Park in a solid performance, where he scored a try in a 78–0 win. A week later, he started at inside centre for the All Blacks in their victory against the British and Irish Lions in the first test. However, a week later in the second test, Williams became the first All Black to be sent off in 50 years after Colin Meads was sent off in 1967, and was also the first ever to be sent off in New Zealand, for shoulder charging Anthony Watson to the head. The All Blacks went on to lose the test 24–21.