Rugby: Ranger in doubt for tour

Rene Ranger suffered a hamstring injury in Northland's loss to Counties Manukau on Sunday. Photo / Getty Images

Northland star Rene Ranger's chances of making the All Blacks' end-of-year tour are up in the air after he suffered a hamstring injury in Northland's national provincial championship rugby 24-40 loss to Counties Manukau in Pukekohe yesterday.

Northland coach Bryce Woodward confirmed Ranger had a "serious" hamstring injury but more would be known after the explosive outside back has a medical examination later today.

If the hamstring is seriously torn he could be facing up to six weeks on the sidelines, which would leave the utility back in doubt for the tour. The All Blacks' touring party will be named on October 17.

But All Blacks five-eighth Luke McAlister has been cleared of any serious injury after he was forced to leave the field with an injured jaw early in the second half of North Harbour's 44-30 win against Manawatu in Albany yesterday.

It was feared McAlister's jaw had been broken but it was only bruised, North Harbour confirmed today, meaning he was expected to play a full part in training this week and be available for the match against Counties in Pukekohe on Sunday.

- NZPA