All Black McAlister out of Grand Slam tour

All Black Luke McAlister has been ruled out of the Grand Slam tour to Britain and Ireland.

The North Harbour five-eighth has been diagnosed with a torn lateral meniscus in his right knee, which requires surgery.

Otago's Nick Evans has been called into the All Blacks' squad as a replacement.

Prop Greg Somerville is rated as highly unlikely to tour following tests on his calf injury, sustained in Canterbury's recent Ranfurly Shield defence against Auckland.

A final decision on his fitness will be made today.

Auckland prop Saimone Taumoepeau is on standby.

Ali Williams should be available for the second Test of the tour against Ireland, after injuring his shoulder in a game of backyard rugby on Monday.

- NEWSTALK ZB