Rugby: McAlister fighting fit but bench role likely

Luke McAlister is training again. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Blues midfielder Luke McAlister has returned to work but his Super 14 employment is uncertain for the side's next challenge against the Waratahs.

Coach Pat Lam has a full squad to use for his side's next foray to Sydney and will be reluctant to change the starting combination after they bounced the Brumbies in a rousing 39-34 return to Eden Park.

McAlister had been set for some role in that game after proving he had recovered from a torn calf muscle suffered before the season started.

But he broke his nose in an opposed training session and was ruled out of any rugby last week.

After his latest frustration, the 26-year-old was back training yesterday but at best may only make the reserves in Sydney on Saturday.

Lam gave little away about his selection thoughts for that game but his delight at the Blues' work rate and attitude in their last match suggested few alterations.

"The guys in there have got the inside running and McAlister, like the All Blacks and people coming back from injury ... [has] to compete," Lam said. "We have to make sure we get the balance right."

There were opportunities for those on the selection cusp to hone, sharpen and push their skills in club games or matches for the Blues development side while a couple of players were still sore and would need to be checked further before the Blues were named on Thursday.

The bonus point victory against the Brumbies was a solid springboard the side had to use in their next stretch of matches.

"I was concerned about the penalty concession, scoring points then allowing them easy penalties which makes the game tough," said Lam.

"It is tough on my heart so a few boys have done a few extras this morning for the penalties they gave away.

"It is a decision-making thing but some of them were pretty silly."

Tighthead prop John Afoa had been given more of a chance to press for the All Blacks with revelations that Carl Hayman would not be returning to New Zealand to challenge for his old test jersey.

Lam fully supported the rule where players could only be chosen for the All Blacks from New Zealand competitions otherwise, he said, any change would see half his side disappear offshore.

Afoa was a strong leader, the rule tweaks suited him as a very mobile, ball-playing prop but he needed to keep working hard to improve his setpiece duties.

The Blues also needed to tidy up those areas and could because the last game lineout lapses were their own fault. A few scrum wobbles were also concentration issues.

Countering rolling mauls from teams such as the Bulls was work in progress but Lam said the Blues were concentrating more on strategies for their trip to Sydney, where they had not won since 2003.

He said explosive centre Rene Ranger was building well in his new role; he had the x-factor but still needed plenty of advice and encouragement.