New Zealand centre Richard Kahui is expected to be sidelined for six months because of a shoulder surgery.
McAlister looks set to be called in to replace injured Chief
New Zealand centre Richard Kahui is expected to be sidelined for six months because of a shoulder surgery.
The Waikato Chief has been carrying the knock for nearly 12 months, but aggravated it during the Super 14 final defeat to the Bulls in Pretoria last weekend.
He had been named in a 26-man All Blacks squad for June Tests against France and Italy, but he has now withdrawn to undergo an operation.
Kahui is now set to miss the Tri Nations series, which follows on after the two Tests, and the end of year tour, which takes in games against Italy, England, France and the Barbarians in Europe.
Luke McAlister is being talked about as a possible replacement although the New Zealand Rugby Union has yet to make an official announcement.
