Luke McAlister available for Blues

A frustrated Luke McAlister looks set to make it back into the Blues for their Super 14 rugby match against the Stormers this weekend.

The All Black first five has had a bad run with injuries so far this year, with a fractured cheek bone, and then suffering a bruised sternum last weekend.

McAlister says he is back to full fitness, and would be happy just to make the bench, although he has not discussed the issue with the Blues coaches, David Nucifora and Joe Schmidt.

Doug Howlett and Daniel Braid remain doubtful for the Stormers game with hamstring problems, so new flanker, Onosai'i Tololima Auva'a could make his first Super 14 start this weekend.

Angus MacDonald has been forced out of the Super 14 this year with a knee injury.

After eight rounds of the series, the Blues are in 11th place on 12 points, with three wins from seven games, and are coming off the 30-17 win over the Bulls.

The Stormers are in 10th place on 14 points, with two wins and a draw from their seven games, and four bonus points.

The Stormers needed a late try to beat the Force 26-25 last weekend.

- NEWSTALK ZB