Rugby: McAlister on target for Pacific Cup

Luke McAlister (left) with Blues player Tasesa Lavea during training. McAlister said he enjoyed playing in England but he missed playing test rugby more. Photo / Brent Phibbs

Like many, he left New Zealand rugby after the last World Cup.

But unlike most who departed for overseas contracts, Luke McAlister was only in the early stages of his All Black career and had not delivered fully on his potential.

After an 18-month sojourn at the Sale club, McAlister was back watching the Blues yesterday and talking about his rugby targets and his decision to return to New Zealand.

He did not look too much different, perhaps slightly more muscular if that is possible though his frame was well hidden in civvies. He reckoned he was more rounded, mentally, and had grown up a fair bit during his OE.

It had been a wrench to leave England, he had enjoyed life there but he had missed playing test rugby and was returning to family and unfinished sporting business in New Zealand.

In consultation with the NZRU and All Black panel, his dispensation to return to the national squad involved several games for the Barbarians, starting at the end of this month in London and then the Junior All Blacks programme.

However, McAlister said he was still recovering from knee and hamstring injuries which might impinge on plans to play for the Barbarians against England at Twickenham on May 30.

"I still have to see the medical team and get a verdict on that," he said.

His priority was the Pacific Nations Cup in June and July with the Juniors in a side where national coach Graham Henry wants McAlister to begin his comeback at first five-eighths.

McAlister prefers to play in midfield and that versatility will offer cover for both Stephen Donald and Ma'a Nonu in the All Blacks.

"I don't know how I'll go," McAlister said of his Juniors' role, "but there's only one way to find out and that's getting chucked in there."

McAlister said he enjoyed playing in England but he missed playing test rugby more and that was underlined when he watched the All Blacks play late last year.

He had learned a great deal from playing alongside Charlie Hodgson at Sale, he helped balance his instincts, ideas and methods of winning matches. But the English season was a long grind in conditions which were not as favourable as those during the Super 14.

He thought his transition to New Zealand rugby would be smooth enough but he would be keeping a close eye on the Lions trip to South Africa and the fortunes of prop Andrew Sheridan, who was the one Sale player to make the squad.