Marshall to skipper Baabaas, McAlister ruled out

Justin Marshall. Picture / Fotopress

LONDON - The All Blacks' season-ending match on Sunday morning NZ time was given several extra pinches of spice when their own veteran halfback Justin Marshall was named captain of the Barbarians.

That announcement accompanied disappointing news for All Blacks second five-eighth Luke McAlister, who has been ruled out of the match because of the recurrence of a hamstring strain he suffered before the team left New Zealand.

McAlister hobbled off late into the team's first training run here today with ice on his leg.

Team medical staff could not immediately diagnose the extent of the damage but gave him no realistic chance of being fit to make his debut for the All Blacks in the match at Twickenham.

The North Harbour representative, 21, watched the three tests of the tour from the grandstand. He was unlucky not to be named on the reserve bench for the first test against Italy, when his chances were ruined by the injury.

Regular first five-eighth Daniel Carter was to be rested for this game, with McAlister to undertake the goalkicking duties.

McAlister's absence may see coach Graham Henry bring Tana Umaga or Ma'a Nonu in at second five-eighth when he reveals his full team tomorrow.

Or, after indicating he wanted to rest Carter, he may bring Carter back and move Aaron Mauger out to second five.

Assuming Umaga isn't brought in, Mauger is favoured to captain an All Blacks team significantly different to that who thrashed France 45-6 in Paris on Saturday.

Mauger will run out opposite Canterbury teammate Marshall, who will have a point to prove at Twickenham.

He expressed disappointment a month ago at being rested from this tour, a selection that has allowed his long-time All Blacks understudy Byron Kelleher a chance to shine.

Kelleher had arguably his best performance in a black jersey in the triumph against France.

While Kelleher is unlikely to play on Saturday, Marshall will want to re-establish his credentials in front of the All Blacks coaches.

"It's a great honour not only to be part of the squad but to captain the side against my own country," Marshall said in a statement.

"It will certainly be a unique experience and I'm very much looking forward to the game on Saturday."

Barbarians coach Bob Dwyer said Marshall -- New Zealand's most capped back with 77 tests -- earned the nod as skipper because of his international experience.

Marshall captained the All Blacks four times on the season-ending tour to Europe seven years ago and made his All Blacks debut nine years ago.

At the other end of the scale is All Blacks flanker Jerome Kaino, who is looking forward to wearing the black jersey for the first time on Saturday.

Coach Graham Henry confirmed Kaino would debut for his country on the blindside flank, capping a dream week for the American Samoan-born forward after he won International Rugby Board (IRB) under-21 player of the year award yesterday.

"I didn't really think I was going to get a run, I feel very fortunate," he said.

"I haven't really minded not playing, I'm just trying to learn off the older players and prepare myself in case I do get a call up.

"Now I have and hopefully I'm ready on Saturday."

Kaino, 21, and fellow awards nominee McAlister enjoyed the glittering awards dinner in London.

"It was quite formal. I don't usually do formal occasions, " Kaino said.

"It was great to receive the award, it was a privilege to be in room with so many rugby greats, to rub shoulders with the like of (former Ireland hooker and captain) Keith Wood."

- NZPA