Rugby: McAlister to first five as Brett dropped

Luke McAlister. Photo / Getty Images

Luke McAlister will replace Stephen Brett as the starting first five-eighths for the Blues' Super 15 rugby match against neighbours the Chiefs in Auckland on Saturday night.

McAlister will shift from second five-eighths for only his third appearance in the No 10 jersey for the season as the Blues look to consolidate their position at the top of the New Zealand conference.

Coach Pat Lam said today that the decision to drop Brett to the bench was made on form.

"Stephen is the first to admit that his form in the last few weeks has not been up to his usual high standard, so Luke gets the opportunity," he said.

Benson Stanley returns from a head knock to second five-eighths, with Lam saying he wanted Stanley there for his defence.

In other changes to the starting 15, Rene Ranger is restored to one of the wing spots in place of Sherwin Stowers, while hooker Keven Mealamu gets a breather on the bench.

With Mealamu in the reserves, Tom McCartney reverts from stand-in prop to hooker, while Tevita Mailau comes into the front row.

Loose forward Jerome Kaino takes over from Mealamu as skipper.

Blues:
Lachie Munro, Joe Rokocoko, Jared Payne, Benson Stanley, Rene Ranger, Luke McAlister, Alby Mathewson, Peter Saili, Luke Braid, Jerome Kaino (captain), Ali Williams, Anthony Boric, John Afoa, Tom McCartney, Tevita Mailau. Reserves: Keven Mealamu, Charlie Faumuina, Chris Lowrey, Sean Polwart, Chris Smylie, Stephen Brett, Sherwin Stowers.

- NZPA