McAlister fit after heart scare

Luke McAlister

All Black first five-eighths Luke McAlister was diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat yesterday but it will not interfere with his selection for Saturday's test against Ireland.

However, the prospects of his father, Charlie, remaining as coach of Manawatu appeared bleaker as the inaugural season of the new provincial championship approached.

"I can't comment on that at all," was the response of Manawatu chief executive Haydn Smith about his new coach.

Luke McAlister was absent from All Black training in Hamilton yesterday and initial inquiries drew the response that he had been ill until there was a subsequent diagnosis of atrial fibrillation.

It is a condition which afflicted former All Black No 8 Zinzan Brooke, although he took regular medication during his career and reported no problems during his 58 tests.

There was a similar forecast from All Black doctor Deb Robinson last night for McAlister and the five-eighths is expected to take his place at training today.

"Luke is back to full health, cleared to train and to play this Saturday," Dr Robinson said.

"The condition sounds serious, but is relatively minor in a young, healthy man like Luke. We've run the necessary tests to rule out any specific cause."

McAlister had two previous heart problems, the most recent two years ago.

The 22-year-old woke up feeling tired and unwell yesterday but his condition had settled naturally by the afternoon and medical staff were confident he would train fully. No one has been called into the squad as cover.

McAlister's latest health scare follows a hamstring injury which delayed his projected 2004 All Black debut and a knee injury last year which removed him from the Grand Slam tour.

He is set for his second test start at first five-eighths but in his absence yesterday at a private session inside a polythene-shrouded enclosure, David Hill ran the backline in combination with his provincial halfback, Byron Kelleher.

Another Hamiltonian, Marty Holah, spoke later about his change of position and mindset for his 33rd All Black test.

The regular opensider will wear the six jersey but share the foraging duties with skipper Richie McCaw, who will play off the back of the lineout.

"The hardest thing," explained Holah, "will be avoiding that urge and that instinct to chase the ball and follow so hard."

The twin-flanker scheme offered room for error as he and McCaw settled into the rare move being used by the national selectors. It was a case of emulating the Wallabies double-act of George Smith and Phil Waugh, who operated in distinct zones on the field.

Holah was not sure how long the All Blacks would persevere with the ploy. But he was grateful to get another test chance after he was replaced by Chris Masoe for the Grand Slam tour.

* Waikato Stadium's capacity has been boosted to almost 30,000 for Saturday's test.