Phil Gifford runs the rule over All Black hopeful Luke McAlister in The Sunday Star Times.
"An easy way to start an argument among Auckland rugby fans is to suggest that Luke McAlister is either (a) a dead cert for World Cup selection or (b) over-rated and likely to fold under pressure.
"Last night, playing at first five-eighths was a great chance for him to make a claim for for a world cup spot, given that he faces substantial roadblocks at second five-eighths in the shape of a revitalised Ma'a Nonu and, if he can regain early season form, Sonny Bill Williams.
"How did it work out? The amateur judges on both sides won't be short of ammunition. There were a couple of sensational strikes with the wind for penalty goals, but also a string of misses. He tackled Liam Messam head-on, not a task for a player without courage and technique, then slipped off a tackle of Stephen Donald."
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