Thorne joy, agony for McAlister

Reuben Thorne

A year after winning his 41st and last All Black cap, former skipper Reuben Thorne will wear the national colours again on Sunday against the Barbarians.

Thorne's delight at his recall contrasted with the distress of young midfield back Luke McAlister, who reinjured his left hamstring at practice and had to withdraw from selection.

It has been a frustrating trip for the 21-year-old McAlister, who was due to make his All Black debut in the midfield at Twickenham until his unco-operative hamstring surrendered yesterday to the demands of training.

First senior honours, however, will go to blindside flanker Jerome Kaino who was also named this week as the international under-21 player of the year at an awards ceremony in London.

McAlister's injury aggravation occurred just metres from where Carlos Spencer wrecked his knee in an accident before the 1999 World Cup.

A disconsolate McAlister left training and wandered away where he could seethe privately about the pre-tour hamstring strain which refused to heal for him to play any of the four tour games.

McAlister's exit meant Ma'a Nonu moving from his intended start on the left wing to midfield, with Doug Howlett moving into that position.

The All Blacks will be led by first five-eighths Aaron Mauger, with coach Graham Henry making 13 changes from the side who beat France so comprehensively.

Until McAlister's misfortune, only fullback Mils Muliaina was being asked to front up for a fourth straight start against a Barbarians side, which will be captained by Justin Marshall.

Marshall was not overjoyed to be rested as one of the three halfbacks on this trip and along with reject No 8 Xavier Rush may feel they have a point to prove on Sunday.

Victory against France removed any need for the All Black selectors to pitch Byron Kelleher into a duel with Marshall. That job has gone to Jimmy Cowan.