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Canterbury's Colin Slade - Source: Photosport
Canterbury first-five eighths Colin Slade has been called into the All Blacks squad to replace the injured Dan Carter.
Slade was named in the 26-man squad which will travel to Sydney on Sunday for the final Tri Nations test next weekend as Dan Carter recovers from ankle surgery expected to keep him out of rugby for eight weeks.
22-year-old Slade was picked ahead of two other likely
contenders - Canterbury teammate Stephen Brett and North Harbour's
Luke McAlister. The versatile Slade was drafted into the All Blacks
squad as injury cover last year and has been a regular starter for
the Crusaders in a variety of positions over the past two
seasons.
He is expected to make his debut off the bench behind Manawatu
play-maker Aaron Cruden in the Wallabies test.
Elsewhere All Blacks coach Graham Henry has stuck with the squad that wrapped up the Tri Nations championship in Soweto last week.
Australia have won one from four Tri-Nations tests and face South Africa in Bloemfontein this weekend before returning home for the finale.
Forwards: John Afoa, Anthony Boric, Tom Donnelly, Corey Flynn, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw, Keven Mealamu, Kieran Read, Brad Thorn, Victor Vito, Samuel Whitelock and Tony Woodcock.
Backs: Jimmy Cowan, Aaron Cruden, Israel Dagg, Cory Jane, Mils Muliaina, Ma'a Nonu, Rene Ranger, Josevata Rokocoko, Colin Slade, Conrad Smith, Benson Stanley and Piri Weepu.
