Injury boost for McAlister

Luke McAlister will be available for New Zealand’s end of year tour after an MRI scan on his injured ankle confirmed the damage was not as serious as first thought.

McAlister stood on a cone while training with North Harbour on Monday and had looked in doubt for the All Blacks’ six-game tour, which kicks off with a Test against Australia in Tokyo at the end of the month.

But X-rays showed no bones had been broken and Wednesday’s MRI scan provided further good news for the 26-year-old with confirmation there was no structural damage.

McAlister will undergo a short rehabilitation, ruling him out of North Harbour’s Air New Zealand Cup match against Wellington this weekend, but should be available for the Bledisloe Cup Test in Japan on October 31.

New Zealand coach Graham Henry names his 33-strong touring squad on Sunday and McAlister’s availability will be welcome news given centres Richard Kahui (shoulder) and Isaia Toeava (hip stress fracture) have already been ruled out.

McAlister has endured a tough few months since returning from his two-year stint with English side Sale Sharks.

He struggled to find form after being rushed straight back into the All Blacks side following his return in May.

He was then hampered by back spasms before fracturing a cheekbone in the Bledisloe Cup win against the Wallabies in Sydney, which required surgery.

After six weeks on the sidelines he played his first game last weekend, scoring a try in North Harbour’s 28-7 win against Bay of Plenty.

The All Blacks will assemble in Auckland early next week before leaving for Japan on October 25.

An open training and autograph session on Wednesday will be used to help raise funds for the victims of the recent tsunami in the Pacific Islands.

All Blacks full-back Mils Muliaina was visiting family in Samoa just before the tsunami hit.

“Everyone, including players in the All Blacks, has been affected by the devastation which hit Samoa, Tonga and American Samoa so we are inviting fans to come along to our training, meet the players and make a donation to the Tsunami Appeal,” he said.

Following the Bledisloe Cup game, New Zealand will play Tests against Wales, Italy, England and France, before rounding off their tour with a match against the Barbarians.