All Blacks: McAlister set for Tri-Nations after French recall

Luke McAlister. Photo / Getty Images

Daniel Carter has been pronounced an almost certain non-starter in this year's rugby Tri-Nations, opening the door further on Luke McAlister's prospects as an All Blacks first five-eighth.

New Zealand's two leading playmakers have gone down contrasting paths since beginning their year with clubs in Europe.

World class No 10 Carter ruptured his achilles tendon a handful of games into his "sabbatical" with French outfit Perpignan and his recovery has been steady.

While McAlister re-acquainted himself with the All Blacks this week, Carter was due to farewell his French championship-winning teammates tonight (NZT) and return home for more rehabilitation followed, hopefully, by some rugby with his Canterbury club Southbridge.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry says there is little chance of Carter adding to his 59 tests in the Tri-Nations which starts next month and ends in mid-September.

"I think that's a very very outside hope," Henry said today.

"I just think Dan has to make sure he gets himself right. If he feels he's in good nick and can play at international level, he can let us know.

"He'll play some Air NZ Cup and then we'll see how he goes.

"But it's a big step, particularly in that position where there's a lot of sharp movement."

If Carter showed the same recuperative powers as in the past, it would be "a real big bonus" to have him in the Tri-Nations, Henry said.

Any Henry impatience is soothed by the return of McAlister, who ended his stint with English club Sale by spending nearly three months on the sideline recovering from injury before returning home. His comeback match was Saturday's heavy loss for the Barbarians against Australia in Sydney.

Henry promptly added the 25-year-old to the All Blacks squad following a serious shoulder injury to centre Richard Kahui.

McAlister is in line to add to his 22 caps after being named on the reserve bench for Saturday's first test against France in Dunedin, having leapfrogged several contenders in the Junior All Blacks.

"Luke gave us more balance than any other player would give us," Henry said.

"It gave us some experience too, because he's played 25 tests (sic) so it was a pretty easy selection really.

"We watched (the Barbarians match) keenly. We weren't quite sure how he would handle it because of a lack of rugby but we were impressed with the way he played."

Henry has already indicated McAlister is a strong prospect to wear the No 10 jersey at some stage, meaning incumbent Stephen Donald will face a battle for the position.

All Blacks
Mils Muliaina (captain), Joe Rokocoko, Isaia Toeava, Ma'a Nonu, Rudi Wulf, Stephen Donald, Jimmy Cowan, Liam Messam, Adam Thomson, Kieran Read, Isaac Ross, Brad Thorn, Neemia Tialata, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock.

Reserves: Keven Mealamu, John Afoa, Bryn Evans, Tanerau Latimer, Piri Weepu, Luke McAlister, Cory Jane.

- NZPA