Some may have called it a bold move when former Crusaders hooker Brodie McAlister decided to leave the Christchurch based franchise for the Chiefs, after multiple successful championship winning seasons.
Now, it’s probably considered a master stroke, as McAlister is set to make his debut for the All Blacks this weekend in Hamilton.
Scott Robertson has made ten changes to his side that will take on France at FMG Stadium Waikato on Saturday, after winning back the Dave Gallaher trophy last weekend in Wellington.
Eight Chiefs players have been named in the match day 23 for the third Test, to run out on their home turf.
McAlister, who moved to the Chiefs at the start of the season for more game time, has been a standout performer according to Robertson.
“Yeah he’s a really big body, like he’s an incredible scrummager, he’s great in his core roles,” Robertson told reporters in Hamilton.
“We’re really pleased that the consistency he played this season, his body was good all year.
“He’s a good body for a Test footballer, and it’s his opportunity he’s worked so hard at his craft, he made the call to leave down south to come up and we’re pleased for him.”
McAlister made 12 appearances for the Chiefs this season, and having debuted for the Crusaders in 2019, he went on to win five Super Rugby titles.
Anton Lienert-Brown, his Chiefs teammate, admits it’s been enjoyable to get to know him well this year at the Chiefs.
“Yeah Brodie he’s a great man, and it’s been awesome to get to know him really well, this year,” Lienert-Brown told media in Hamilton.
“He’s had an outstanding season, along with Samisoni Taukei’aho, he’s a real weapon and he’s so deserving of this opportunity.
“Grinding away for a long time, and he’s really grown his game so I’m stoked for him and his family who are just outstanding human beings.
“I guess it’s special, that it will be FMG Stadium in Waikato.”
Robertson has also had both Naitoa Ah Kuoi and Dalton Papali’i in camp the last couple of weeks, after both were not selected in the initial squad, but were available for selection this week.
The All Blacks head coach has been happy with both squad members and their work during the week.
“Naitoa has been awesome with us, we considered Naitoa, but Samipeni finished the game last week at lock, and it’s good for us,” Robertson said.
“With Dalton coming in he’s been great the last three weeks, he deserves his opportunity and he’s fresh on with energy and everything, been a great pro.
“He’s been superb so yeah when we named it on Tuesday the energy in the room was awesome.”
