All Blacks: Support for McAlister at first-five

Former All Black Earle Kirton believes Luke McAlister is a better attacking option than Stephen Donald. Photo / Getty Images

Former All Black first five-eighths and national selector Earle Kirton is in favour of Luke McAlister being promoted to the No 10 jersey, even if Stephen Donald is passed fit.

McAlister is expected to start at first-five in Saturday's one-off test against Italy, with Donald only rated a 40/60 chance of overcoming his hamstring injury.

Kirton says McAlister is more of an attacking option than Donald and gives the All Blacks a threat other than second five-eighths Ma'a Nonu in the backline.

He says McAlister has to play at first-five a lot more than he has been and Italy is a good chance to give him more experience at the top level.

The All Blacks side will be unveiled at 1.30pm.

- NEWSTALK ZB