Player's real test will be demands of Canterbury

OPINION: Anyone who has met Colin Slade will know he is not the excitable type.

Maybe this is just as well, because Slade, despite being just 22, has already watched his turbulent rugby career absorb its share of dips and dives.

His selection in the 26-man All Blacks squad for next weekend's test against the Wallabies has resulted, on this occasion, in his career boarding an express train that has sped straight into the limelight.

With Dan Carter recovering from surgery to his right ankle, Aaron Cruden will start at playmaker against the Wallabies on September 11. Slade is expected to be carried as bench cover with Piri Weepu a real chance to start at halfback and take on the goal-kicking duties.

But to believe his selection will guarantee him a spot on the All Blacks' northern tour would be premature and Slade, more than anyone, knows what it is like to have the rug tugged from beneath his boots when it comes to the expectation of being selected for this sojourn.

Last year he briefly joined the All Blacks in camp during the Tri-Nations but was never required to suit up.

He returned to his Canterbury duties – where he was playing at fullback, no less – still hoping to force his way into the touring squad.

Instead he was ignored with All Blacks head coach Graham Henry using Stephen Donald and Mike Delany as his backup options to Carter, while Luke McAlister provided cover from the midfield.

While the experience of going through the All Blacks' playbook and learning how to prepare for an international will be another invaluable process in Slade's professional rugby career, the real test will be how he copes with the demands and expectations of Canterbury on his return to the NPC.

Last year he appeared to struggle with the extra scrutiny of his brief flirtation with the All Blacks and when he rejoined his province his form suffered and he paid the price of being overlooked by Henry.

With Carter back at the Crusaders this season, Slade spent much of the season at fullback, a position that should have suited his pace, courage under the high ball and tactical kicking awareness, but he was more solid than spectacular.

His performance in the Super 14 semifinal against the Bulls was punctuated by several handling lapses.

It is not the next 10 days that will shape Slade's World Cup aspirations, it is the next 10 months.

How he handles his return to Canterbury, whether he is picked for the northern tour and just how he operates as the playmaker for the Highlanders next season will define his blossoming career.

- © Fairfax NZ News