Williams, who recently turned down a reported $5 million offer to stay with French club Toulon, has been playing for Canterbury in New Zealand's domestic competition but his selection, so soon after his return home, still comes as a surprise.
All Blacks coach Graham Henry has denied that Williams was given special treatment and insisted that his selection was purely on form.
"We never promised him an All Blacks jersey. He's been selected on form," said Henry. "He made a big decision to come [to New Zealand] because he wanted to be an All Black. He's proved himself in the build-up games to selection that he deserves a place."
Aside from Williams, Henry's 30-man All Blacks squad is vastly experienced, boasting 972 Test caps but there are also places for individuals who missed out during the Tri-Nations, such as openside Daniel Braid, wing Hosea Gear and fly-half Stephen Donald.
Scrum-halves Andy Ellis and Alby Mathewson also received the call after squad regular Piri Weepu broke his leg in a provincial match the night before the announcement.
The All Blacks are currently on a 15-match unbeaten run and need to win their first four games on tour to break the world record of 18 consecutive Test wins held by European minnows Lithuania.
All Blacks squad:
Forwards: John Afoa, Anthony Boric, Daniel Braid, Tom Donnelly, Hikawera Elliot, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Andrew Hore, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw (captain), Keven Mealamu, Liam Messam, Kieran Read, Brad Thorn, Samuel Whitelock, Tony Woodcock.
Backs: Andy Ellis, Daniel Carter, Jimmy Cowan, Stephen Donald, Hosea Gear, Cory Jane, Alby Mathewson, Mils Muliaina, Ma'a Nonu, Josevata Rokocoko, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Conrad Smith, Isaia Toeava, Sonny Bill Williams.
Itinerary
October 30 - All Blacks v Australia, Hong Kong
November 6 - All Blacks v England, London
November 13 - All Blacks v Scotland, Edinburgh
November 20 - All Blacks v Ireland, Dublin
November 27 - All Blacks v Wales, Cardiff
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