Rugby: McAlister faces stern test in inside channels

Luke McAlister, in as the Blues' first five tonight, faces a sharp trio of Chiefs runners. Photo / Brett Phibbs

In their initial planning, the Chiefs might have fancied their chances close to the breakdowns and set piece tonight at Eden Park.

Blues coach Pat Lam countered by shifting Stephen Brett to the bench and Luke McAlister into first five-eighths as both teams resume Super 15 action after a bye.

McAlister's involvement may not alter the Chiefs' ideas about testing those inside channels where they will suspect some lack of rapport because of the changes.

In Brendon Leonard, Stephen Donald and Tana Umaga, they have a trio of sniping, direct, physical runners whose impact will rise if the Chiefs can get a decent share of some useful possession.

Elsewhere, the Chiefs will look at Lachie Munro wearing the Blues No 15 jersey and might decide to test his range of abilities if conditions get awkward.

Munro had two caps spread over two seasons for the Blues before rattling out a further 10 appearances this year.

He covers many backline duties, but fullback is his preferred choice where he deputises for the injured Isaia Toeava.

Down the other end of the park, Munro will note Mils Muliaina, the Chiefs captain, All Black fullback with 94 caps and one-time Blues custodian before he scarpered south down SH1.

"He's a benchmark for fullback play in New Zealand, and I hope I learn a lot from him every time I watch him play.

"But I don't want to be in awe of him too much during this game," Munro said.

"It's just a great opportunity to play against someone of Mils' calibre."

Munro's aim this season was to be a regular member of the 22-man squad and push on from there. Progress had been acceptable.

He wasn't so good against the Stormers in the Blues' last match, but he wasn't on his own.

"I've worked hard to get on top of a few things but then fell back a bit in that match so I've done a lot more extras in our time off," he said.

Munro is naturally fit and attacking is second nature, so he tries to spend more of his time on defensive alignment, tackle technique and those areas of his game.

There'll be a variety of tests tonight as he, Joe Rokocoko and Rene Ranger work backfield in the continued absence of Isaia Toeava.

The more he's been involved, the more Munro has felt able to deliver commands and exert some of the authority the coaching staff want from their back three.

That area will be one focus, but the Blues have to turn to their tight-five to look for some ascendancy against the visiting Chiefs.

If they are unable to squeeze them, then the All Black-soaked backline of the Chiefs seems certain to be a massive threat.

Recent results have favoured the Blues and the city-slickers have only lost once in the past five duels, in a 2009 frolic in Hamilton.

But the Chiefs' recent wins against the Highlanders and Stormers, and their strong tussle with the Crusaders, suggest they are warming while the Blues have cooled down in their last two defeats.

Toss in the intent gaze of the All Black selectors, who'll be checking out several targets to assess their World Cup calibre, and this local derby should produce a range of engrossing debates.