McAlister back in the AB midfield

[mudskipper]

Luke McAlister: In line for a Tri-Nations spot

Luke McAlister has been called back into the All Black sqaud for injured centre Richard Kahui, a change announced by the NZRU on Sunday.

McAlister, just returned from a two-season stint with Sale Sharks in the Guinness Premiership, played for the Barbarians in Saturday's defeat by Australia, and replaces Kahui who will miss the rest of the season after undergoing shoulder surgery.

Crusaders fly-half Stephen Brett takes McAlister's place in the Junior All Blacks squad.

McAlister, 25, has played 22 tests for the All Blacks and re-signed with the New Zealand Rugby Union earlier this year through to 2012.

He was not in line to be called up initially for this year's Tri-Nations, having not played in the Super 14, but NZRU selection criteria were relaxed in case of injury.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry said McAlister's time playing for Sale had made him a stronger player.

"Luke returns to the All Blacks squad better for the rugby experience in the Northern Hemisphere and will provide us with more backline options for the Iveco Series and beyond," Henry said to the NZPA.

http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,2...368260,00.html

[shasta]

Don't think Mcallister will have too many AB's losing any sleep just yet either.

Another expert prediction after the Baa Baa's match.

[jargan83]

well he did only make the AB's squad through an injury......

[GIGS20]

And he didn't replace Stephen Donald, who plays the position McAlister was in Saturday night.......and You're not Mudskipper, so we can forgive you a bad call (or three)

[mudskipper]

GIGs I'm still looking for the one he got right....