McAlister's damaged ankle causes anxiety

Luke McAlister's elevated ankle attracts the interest of Auckland halfback Steve Devine. Picture / Kenny Rodger

There was no hiding the concern from the All Black selectors.

As Luke McAlister was helped from Eden Park on Saturday, unable to put any weight on a damaged left ankle, the national panel squinted to get a better look from high above the main stand.

Backline coach Wayne Smith shook his head in disbelief while the furrow lines on Graham Henry's forehead seemed to deepen a shade.

It was not long before Henry was on the case, down in the bowels of the stadium to inquire about the 22-year-old McAlister's health.

The five-eighths' ankle was extremely tender and was also hampered by a badly bruised thigh and sore knee suffered during the 38-24 semifinal loss to Auckland.

But there was optimism McAlister would be fit in about a fortnight.

That would allow him to be picked in the 35-strong All Black squad revealed on Sunday for the Grand Slam attempt.

McAlister was first picked for the All Blacks on their trip to Europe last year. However, he strained a hamstring in training before the side left and then aggravated the injury on tour and withdrew from what would have been his debut against the Barbarians.

McAlister made his debut in the third test against the Lions at Eden Park instead, coming in at first five-eighths for the injured Daniel Carter and Leon MacDonald.

He goaled all six of his kicks as the All Blacks won 38-19 and he then went on to be involved in all four Tri-Nations tests.

The selectors are hoping there will be no further casualties in the NPC final between Auckland and Otago the day before the squad announcement.

Hooker Derren Witcombe has been ruled out of the tour with a serious neck injury and there is no word yet on the fitness of prop Greg Somerville, who strained a calf muscle.

The NPC finalists Auckland and Otago are both expected to have full squads to choose from for the last NPC game of the season.