Rugby: McAlister to aim for Tokyo

Luke McAlister. Photo / Getty Images

All Black back Luke McAlister has received encouraging news before the naming of the squad to tour the Northern Hemisphere on Sunday.

Yesterday McAlister had an MRI scan on the ankle he damaged in training this week, which revealed no structural damage.

He could yet be fit, if selected, for the All Blacks opening test of their trip, against Australia in Tokyo on October 31.

McAlister has had a few tough months since returning in May from a stint with English club Sale.

He struggled to find form after being rushed back into the All Blacks and was hampered by back spasms before fracturing a cheekbone in the Tri-Nations match against Australia in Sydney.

McAlister returned to playing last weekend, scoring a try in North Harbour's 28-7 Air NZ Cup win over Bay of Plenty.