Rugby: McAlister joins All Blacks

Luke McAlister. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Luke McAlister has joined the All Blacks rugby squad in Hamilton as cover for injury-troubled first five-eighth Dan Carter.

Utility back McAlister, one of the standouts of the New Zealand Maori team's 35-28 win over England in Napier last night, joined the All Blacks today ahead of Saturday's second test against Wales.

All Blacks management said McAlister would provide reserves cover if Carter (calf strain) was ruled out, meaning Aaron Cruden would start in the No 10 jersey.

A decision on Carter, who was named in the side on Tuesday, will be made at the end of today's training, scheduled for later this afternoon.

Meanwhile, first five-eighth Stephen Jones has been relegated to the reserves bench in one of two changes to the Wales team, named today.

Ninety-test veteran Jones has struggled all week with a thumb injury incurred in the 42-9 loss in Dunedin last weekend but is deemed fit enough to take his place in the 22, making way for 20-year-old Dan Biggar in the No 10 jersey.

The other change is at centre, where Jonathan Davies is named in place of Andrew Bishop, who injured his hand at Carisbrook.

There are four changes on the reserves bench, with Jones sitting alongside a promoted trio - halfback Richard Rees, winger Will Harries and prop Craig Mitchell.

WALES

Lee Byrne, Leigh Halfpenny, Jonathan Davies, Jamie Roberts, Tom Prydie, Dan Biggar, Mike Phillips, Ryan Jones (captain), Gavin Thomas, Jonathan Thomas, Alun Wyn Jones, Bradley Davies, Adam Jones, Matthew Rees, Paul James.

RESERVES

Huw Bennett, Craig Mitchell, Deiniol Jones, Rob McCusker, Richard Rees, Stephen Jones, Will Harries.

- NZPA