Rugby: Role revived in 10 search

Luke McAlister is back to No 10. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Once a 10 who could play 12, then a 12 who could play 10, Luke McAlister appears to have been steered back to thinking of himself as a first five.

His selection at first five for the Blues' final warm-up game in Pukekohe suggests a change in the mindset of the coaching hierarchy about McAlister. Possibly the All Black panel have quietly suggested to Blues coach Pat Lam that McAlister has more chance of national selection if he focuses on first five.

Last year, the Blues never talked of McAlister as a 10. Stephen Brett was backed to the hilt and supported by Daniel Kirkpatrick. When fit, McAlister figured in the coaches' plans as a 12.

Now it seems the Blues could be about to install him as their key playmaker from first five. Given McAlister's versatility and the contribution Brett made last season, Lam isn't ready to commit to a definite starter and back-up just yet.

But Lam did talk of McAlister's ability at 10 and, in a significant departure from last year, the coach wants competition for one of the key jerseys.

"Certainly he [McAlister] can play both positions well, and it's really a case of him and Stevie competing," said Lam. "Stevie had a great season for us last year and wants to build on that. So competition's up and that's what we want to see."

Strangely, despite making his test debut at first five in 2005 (his rookie year in Super Rugby) McAlister has barely featured at No 10 for the Blues. Tasesa Lavea, Isa Nacewa, Nick Evans and Brett have been the main guardians of the jersey since the departure of Carlos Spencer. McAlister's preference has been to play at 12.

It's probable the national selectors have talked directly to McAlister - not requesting he shift but laying the facts bare; the coaching panel are not going to look beyond Ma'a Nonu and Sonny Bill Williams at second five.

But, as Graham Henry made clear at the end of last year, the panel are not sold on Dan Carter's back-up.

Stephen Donald surely regressed after a difficult end of year tour, while Aaron Cruden has ground to make up. Colin Slade is promising without having fully convinced and Mike Delany might not win game time at the Chiefs.

McAlister, with 30 test caps, has to be a contender to win the back-up role. He has started four tests at No 10 as well as five appearances there off the bench.

Arguably, it's not his best position. Technically, his work is up to it, as he has a long kicking game, soft hands and quick feet. Defensively he's strong, too, but he's not a renowned navigator. There are concerns about his tactical application; his ability to read a game and play in the right places.

Yet while McAlister might be better suited to 12, needs must in World Cup year. If he plays a handful of games for the Blues at first five, ideally more, he'd give the All Black selectors a better idea if he's got what they want.

It's not as if the Blues would be hampered by accommodating McAlister at first five. The much improved Brett was prone to critical errors last year, while his goalkicking faltered at the campaign's tail.

Brett can open defences with his running and is the sort who could change a game coming off the bench. There are still doubts whether Brett can deliver the accuracy and touches of conservatism that will be necessary if the Blues are to win the inevitably tighter contests expected later in the season when the weather packs up.McAlister suffered a head knock in Friday night's practice match against the Chiefs. His immediate rugby future will not be fully known until midweek.