KEY POINTS:
After tiring of fending off inquiries about his playing future, Luke McAlister seemed relieved to be asked about a rugby partnership that didn't involve signing a contract today.
The 23-year-old utility's post-World Cup plans have been arguably the All Blacks biggest off-field distraction as they coordinate plans to
lift the Webb Ellis Trophy for the first time in 20 years in October.
McAlister has been linked to several European clubs -- Sale of England are the latest favourites to lure him north -- prompting All Blacks coach Graham Henry yesterday to appeal for Aaron Mauger's heir apparent to stay in North Harbour.
Named by Henry at second five-eighth for the second test against France in Wellington on Saturday night, McAlister admitted he was gratified by his mentor's attempt to keep him in the All Blacks No 12 jersey, though a decision was still some way off.
"It was nice to know but I'm going to make a decision based on myself."
McAlister was more definitive talking about his midfield liaison with centre Isaia Toeava -- one of the more impressive combinations among the New Zealand franchises during the Super 14 until injury intervened.
"It's good to be back with Ice (Toeava), hopefully we can work together and do a bit of damage," he said.
"He's got a lot of talent, we've always known that.
"If he makes a few mistakes he can get quite down on himself -- it's our job to keep him up.
"He can do stuff no one else can do.
"(For the Blues) I'd just give him the ball and he'd run through everyone."
The pair were impressive for the Super 14 semifinalists, particularly early in the season, but when McAlister fractured a jaw against the Chiefs in round nine he was sidelined for a month.
A hamstring injury shortly after his comeback in the last round-robin game against the Force in Perth ended a campaign the Sharks spiked in Durban a week later.
"It was frustrating but I treated it as a positive," McAlister said of his facial injury.
"For the first week you're depressed then you know it's a chance to recondition and get rid of another couple of niggles."
The hamstring was another setback, but he rated himself at optimum fitness ahead of a test that fuels the debate about who is the wisest option outside Daniel Carter.
Mauger, off to Leicester after the World Cup, staked his claim with an impressive all-round performance during the 42-11 first-test victory at Eden Park last Saturday.
"Aaron's two tries up on me now -- he's set the benchmark," said McAlister, who earns his 13th cap.
"It's always a challenge when you've got to start -- no matter who was there before you.
"All the positions are at stake. It's good to have that competition, we push each other."
The All Blacks were to train in Auckland this morning before heading to the capital for tomorrow's low-intensity captain's run at the test venue.
The All Blacks have only one lingering injury doubt -- Carter needed to test his fragile left ankle at full clip to confirm his place in the run-on side.
If not, Nick Evans will start after making a smooth transition when he joined the action in the second half last weekend.
Carter had no doubt his absence could be covered by the Highlanders playmaker who has been talking to Auckland about a possible move there.
"Definitely, I've always known that he's more than capable," Carter said.
"He's a real threat and it was great to see his sort of confidence."
- NZPA
