Rugby: McAlister to sit out Rebels clash

Luke McAlister. Photo / Getty Images

Blues second five-eighth and All Blacks contender Luke McAlister has been relegated to the bench for their Super 15 rugby match against the Melbourne Rebels at the North Harbour Stadium in Auckland on Friday night.

McAlister, who has been in impressive form this season to push his claims for a return to the national side, has been replaced by former All Black Benson Stanley.

In two other changes to the starting lineup, lock Ali Williams, who has not featured since he injured a hamstring in the 22-22 draw with the Force on March 13 returns to the pack in place of Kurtis Haiu who suffered a head injury in the win over the Waratahs last Saturday. While All Blacks prop Tony Woodcock, who missed the 31-17 win at Eden Park, takes the place of tryscorer Tevita Mailau after recovering from a calf injury.

Mailau moves the to bench, with Pauliasi Manu dropping out of the 22, while Toby Morland replaces Chris Smylie in the reserves.

Meanwhile the Rebels welcome back inspirational skipper Stirling Mortlock from a hip injury for Friday's clash.

Mortlock was a late withdrawal from last round's heavy 40-18 loss to the Highlanders, but has been named by coach Rod Macqueen at inside centre to face the Blues at North Harbour Stadium - relegating Jimmy Hilgendorf to the bench.

Julian Huxley also returns at fullback, with Richard Kingi named on the bench.

Blues: Isaia Toeava, Joe Rokocoko, Jared Payne, Benson Stanley, Rene Ranger, Stephen Brett, Alby Mathewson, Peter Saili, Luke Braid, Jerome Kaino, Ali Williams, Anthony Boric, John Afoa, Keven Mealamu (captain), Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Tom McCartney, Tevita Mailau, Filo Paulo, Chris Lowrey, Toby Morland, Luke McAlister, Lachie Munro.

Rebels: Julian Huxley, Lachlan Mitchell, Mark Gerrard, Stirling Mortlock (captain), Cooper Vuna, Danny Cipriani, Nick Phipps, Gareth Delve, Michael Lipman, Jarrod Saffy, Hugh Pyle, Alister Campbell, Greg Somerville, Ged Robinson, Rodney Blake. Reserves: Heath Tessmann, Laurie Weeks, Hoani Macdonald, Tim Davidson, Richard Kingi, James Hilgendorf, Luke Rooney.

- NZPA/AAP