Ripper
25-05-08, 10:55 PM
http://www.rugbyheaven.co.nz/4560144a22439.html
Blues prodigal son Ali Williams will return to the Super 14 side next year if Pat Lam is named as coach.
The Sunday News has learned the ace lock – as well as All Blacks and Chiefs wrecking machine Sione Lauaki – have indicated they will sign with the franchise if Lam, is named as David Nucifora’s replacement.
Williams – who starred for the Crusaders in Saturday night’s semifinal victory against the Hurricanes – left the Blues at the end of last season after a falling out with Nucifora.
And while the All Blacks lock has enjoyed his time in Christchurch he is keen to return to Auckland and link up with Lam - the coach who he helped win his first NPC title in 2005.
Lauaki, who despite playing 24 games for Auckland, has never played for the Blues.
After being loaned to the Chiefs in 2004 he was eventually signed by Waikato but not before he enjoyed a solitary season under Lam in Auckland that same year.
No 8 is a problem position for the Blues.
Nick Williams did the job this year but he is not robust enough for Lam’s liking.
Lauaki - the brother of Warriors star Epalahame - would form a championship winning potential backrow alongside Daniel Braid and NRL target Jerome Kaino.
Laukai’s manager, former All Black Craig Innes, confirmed the players’ Super 14 future was "being negotiated."
All Blacks fullback Mils Muliaina - a part of the last Blues side that won a Super title in 2003 - has also been linked to a move back to the Blues but that won’t happen until 2010.[/b]
McAlister's also made noises about coming home now that he's got his paycheque when his contract expires.
Blues prodigal son Ali Williams will return to the Super 14 side next year if Pat Lam is named as coach.
The Sunday News has learned the ace lock – as well as All Blacks and Chiefs wrecking machine Sione Lauaki – have indicated they will sign with the franchise if Lam, is named as David Nucifora’s replacement.
Williams – who starred for the Crusaders in Saturday night’s semifinal victory against the Hurricanes – left the Blues at the end of last season after a falling out with Nucifora.
And while the All Blacks lock has enjoyed his time in Christchurch he is keen to return to Auckland and link up with Lam - the coach who he helped win his first NPC title in 2005.
Lauaki, who despite playing 24 games for Auckland, has never played for the Blues.
After being loaned to the Chiefs in 2004 he was eventually signed by Waikato but not before he enjoyed a solitary season under Lam in Auckland that same year.
No 8 is a problem position for the Blues.
Nick Williams did the job this year but he is not robust enough for Lam’s liking.
Lauaki - the brother of Warriors star Epalahame - would form a championship winning potential backrow alongside Daniel Braid and NRL target Jerome Kaino.
Laukai’s manager, former All Black Craig Innes, confirmed the players’ Super 14 future was "being negotiated."
All Blacks fullback Mils Muliaina - a part of the last Blues side that won a Super title in 2003 - has also been linked to a move back to the Blues but that won’t happen until 2010.[/b]
McAlister's also made noises about coming home now that he's got his paycheque when his contract expires.