Rugby: Caleb Ralph back in Super rugby

Caleb Ralph in action for the Crusaders during the 2008 season. Photo / Getty Images

Former All Black Caleb Ralph is poised to make a shock return to Super rugby as an emergency outside back replacement for the depleted competition-leading Queensland Reds.

Ralph, who has spent the last two years playing club rugby on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, was today included in the 23-man squad which travels to Hamilton for Saturday's final regular season match against the Chiefs at Waikato Stadium.

If the 33-year-old takes the field at Waikato Stadium he will equal former Wallabies halfback George Gregan as the second most capped Super Rugby Player with 136 games.

Injuries to Digby Ioane, Anthony Faingaa, Ben Lucas and Luke Morahan forced Reds coach Ewen McKenzie to recruit the 14-test All Black until the end of the season.

He is a possibility to start on the wing normally occupied by Morahan when McKenzie finalises his team tomorrow.

Ironically Ralph started his Super rugby career playing for the Chiefs in 1997, although he made the bulk of his 135 appearances for the Crusaders between 1999 and 2008.

He has scored 58 tries, just one short of the try-scoring record held by former Blues and All Blacks wing Doug Howlett.

McKenzie had no hesitation in plucking Ralph out of Queensland club rugby where he represents the Sunshine Coast Stingrays, a team coached by former Wallabies No.8 Toutai Kefu.

"At this stage of our campaign we are looking for an experienced outside back and Caleb fits the bill," McKenzie said.

"He is a veteran who has no doubt played many times against the Chiefs in Hamilton and therefore we think he's a good fit."

Ralph is the only change to the squad which pipped the Western Force 24-21 last Saturday - he replaces Morahan who added to McKenzie's injury woes when tearing a hamstring.

- NZPA