Slade named on AB bench

Carter's absence gives Canterbury No.10 his chance

Last updated: 1st September 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Slade named on AB bench

Slade: call-up expected

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Canterbury fly-half Colin Slade has been named on the bench for New Zealand's final Tri-Nations match against Australia in Sydney on September 11.

Slade gained his place as Aaron Cruden's back-up after an impressive performance in Canterbury's ITM Cup win over Auckland on Saturday.

Regular pivot Dan Carter was unavailable to All Blacks coach Graham Henry as he is recuperating from ankle surgery.

Slade was expected to get the nod, given the lack of appearances by Luke McAlister at fly-half and injury to both Chiefs and previous All Blacks fly-halves Stephen Donald and Mike Delany.

Slade played for the New Zealand Barbarians against the New Zealand Maori at the end of the Super 14 season.

New Zealand are unbeaten in this season's Tri-Nations and have already wrapped up the title.

Forwards: J Afoa, A Boric, T Donnelly, C Flynn, B Franks, O Franks, J Kaino, R McCaw, K Mealamu, K Read, B Thorn, V Vito, S Whitelock, T Woodcock.
Backs: J Cowan, A Cruden, I Dagg, C Jane, M Muliaina, M Nonu, R Ranger, J Rokocoko, C Slade, C Smith, B Stanley, P Weepu.

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