McAlister available for Blacks
23 Apr 2009
Luke McAlister won’t have to play any domestic rugby in New Zealand before becoming available for the All Blacks in the Tri-Nations.
McAlister is currently playing for the Sale Sharks in England but will return in late May. Current regulations would have required him to have played in the New Zealand ‘domestic’ competition before being available for national selection, but the NZRU has back-tracked on this rule especially for McAlister.
With Dan Carter crocked and Piri Weepu and Stephen Donald the leading contenders for the No 10 jersey, McAlister is likely to find some place in the squad. Ma’a Nonu is established as first-choice No 12, but McAlister could also be in line for that berth.
The NZRU’s ruling doesn’t allow McAlister to play during the France and Italy tours, but only for the southern hemisphere showpiece. If serious injury does strike to other leading contenders, McAlister will be allowed to play in the June internationals.
In February, McAlister re-signed with NZRU until 2012.
8 Comments
23 Apr 2009, 11:44 am
Good stuff
23 Apr 2009, 11:52 am
#1 eddie: disagree Eddie, I think those that have stayed and played at home deserve first shot.. MCShowpony doesnt deserve it.. he will be off the southern hemisphere pace, just like Smit and Matfield where last year…
he should have to earn his way back, same as Carter, regardless of the class they may possess…
so after 2011, will he jump ship again ???
23 Apr 2009, 12:08 pm
#2 poppa69: Agree largely POPPA but Smit and Matfield were also coming off a World Cup year and they were fatigued from that as well in my opinion.
My concern with Mac is that he made the switch rather early in his career which seems to indicate that playing for the AB’s isn’t that high on his priorities or that he didn’t feel he could make it on a consistent basis and would have to wait too long for his opportunity. Will never forget that try against the French though, thought he was magical in that move.
23 Apr 2009, 12:11 pm
#2 poppa69:
Maybe you’re right, but I think it will sway other of our northern based players home now that McAlister can play pretty much straight away. Having to play a full season of domestic could put them off the move.
And he will get a go with the junior all blacks first so that if hes off the base (and he probably will be) he gets a brief chance to get up to speed, and if hes still rubbish at the end, not play him.
Having a bit extra depth now is a good thing, and while I agree that Donald, Nonu etc should remain the incumbents and given a good go, having big Mac there can only be a good thing, especially if things go tits up/injuries happen.
23 Apr 2009, 12:30 pm
#3 bananaboy: my thoughts precisely… hes like a spoilt kid that doesnt get to play the position he wants, so he takes his ball and goes and plays elsewhere…
#4 eddie: agree on great to have the extra depth, but how do we gauge how well a player is playing, weve all seen ordinary players like flutey become integral parts of national sides in the north…
23 Apr 2009, 13:26 pm
let’s not forget that luke mcalister is the brightest AB backline prospect of the past five years (my opinion anyway). he’s still only 25 and has a lot to offer.
23 Apr 2009, 14:48 pm
The opportunity is there and if Luke can grasp it why not? Luke had the opportunity to live in another country, experience a new lifestyle AND get paid for it!
Pops I have no problem with the exemption, just as long as he is fit enough to slot in. Loyalty is a bonus (sure thing) but in the real world (business) the better skilled man gets the nod.
23 Apr 2009, 18:04 pm
Not fair on the players that were loyal to NZ rugby and stayed behind.
McAlister should play in their Domestic cup first.
This could make even more NZ leave thinking they can just slot back in any time the decide to come back.
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