Colin Slade to prove himself for All Blacks in a trial match against Wellington - Rugby News
Canterbury’s Colin Slade is required to prove himself to the All Blacks’ selectors for the upcoming 2011 Tri-Nations Cup. Slade has been side lined from the action since the start of this year because of chronic injuries. However, the star has been provided
a golden opportunity to prove his fitness in a provincial match against Wellington. The assistant coach of the All Blacks, Steve Hansen told the media on July 7 that Slade will contest Aaron Cruden at the openside flankers' position for the Tri-Nations Cup.
Colin Slade started off his international career for the All Blacks in 2011 and has played just one game so far. Earlier, he remained a part of New Zealandl’s U-19 and U-21 teams and has also played for the Junior All Blacks in the IRB Pacific Nations Cup
in 2009.
Interestingly, Slade is competing against the same man at the openside flankers’ position, who paved his way into the All Blacks side against the Wallabies, in the Tri-Nations Cup 2010. Colin Slade replaced Aaron Cruden playing against Australia during the
60th minute of the match.
Colin Slade has missed the most part of the current Super Rugby championship as he got his jaw broken twice just in the last three months. He has played only three games for the Highlanders in this year’s Super Rugby season.
The assistant coach of the All Black, Steve Hansen, cleared that Slade’s inclusion in the Tri-Nations squad will be determined after watching his output in the Canterbury’s clash against Wellington. He added that, “There is another game on Friday between
Canterbury and Wellington. Slade will obviously get an opportunity to play in that and we'll make some decisions after that.”
Talking about Slade’s inclusion in the RWC 2011 squad, Hansen said that, “It gets down to the World Cup selection, do we need to take two sevens or not? Not in the Tri-Nations we don't necessarily have to, but that is a discussion point and I guess well
answer it on Sunday when we name the team.”
Tri-Nations Cup 2011 is kicking off on July 23 and New Zealand is expected to announce its squad for the tournament on Sunday, July 10.
Tags: