News

McAlister doesn't rate England's chances

May 22 2008

Luke McAlister, the All Blacks star centre at last year's Rugby World Cup, believes England will struggle to match the pace of New Zealand's play in the two-Test series in June.

McAlister, now playing for Sale Sharks in the English Premiership but who could be back playing at home as early as next year, believes there is not a huge difference in skill levels between the northern and southern hemisphere.

But he said the speed of the game in Britain was far more pedestrian compared with the Super 14.

"That's why I'm a bit scared for the English coming over here (to New Zealand)," said McAlister.

"The way the Super 14 is being played and the way the All Blacks play, I just don't think they will be able to keep up."

The 24-year-old, back in New Zealand for a holiday after Sale failed to reach the Guinness Premiership semi-finals, hinted that next season could be his last with the Sharks.

He said he was missing his Blues and All Blacks team-mates and his daughter Astyn.

"I don't know what's going to be thrown at me in the next seven or eight months," said McAlister.

"I haven't talked to the New Zealand Rugby Union about it.

"But I have got my little girl in New Zealand and it's hard being away from her so she would be a big draw card for me coming back."