Protection order on Slade

BY HAMISH BIDWELL

All Blacks squad members Corey Flynn, Owen Franks and Sam Whitelock are in Canterbury's team to play Bay of Plenty but Colin Slade is not.

The first five-eighth was named alongside the aforementioned trio in the All Blacks 26 to fly to Australia for Saturday week's test against Australia, but his national selection came with the caveat that he not front at AMI Stadium tomorrow night.

When asked why, Canterbury coach Rob Penney said: "I suspect they (the All Blacks coaches) just want their group to be fresh and uninjured and they don't want any hiccups between now and Sydney, which is understandable."

However, other members of that "group" are playing. Surely the omission of Slade is inconsistent?

"No, I think it's ... ah ... it's fine," Penney said.

"It's based on the fact that they don't have a lot of cover at 10 and they just want to make sure that they don't have to go hunting again," he said.

This isn't a dig at Penney or the All Blacks. Canterbury players Richie McCaw, Daniel Carter, Brad Thorn and Kieran Read weren't released to the red-and-blacks either, so asking for Slade to be rested too is fine.

It just seems a little strange when time in the saddle, as coaches like to describe it, seems to be benefiting him greatly.

Stephen Brett will now wear the Canterbury No10 jersey, while elsewhere in the 22 Isaac Ross has withstood a stern challenge from Luke Romano and will partner Sam Whitelock in the second row.

"Luke did a fantastic job [against Auckland]," Penney said. "Luke's challenge now is repeating it.

"We know Isaac can do it week in, week out and will do it again. So, to that end, it was a no-brainer in the first instance.

"But as time goes on Luke will put more pressure on hopefully and that'll make selections down the track more interesting."

All up there are four changes to the team which beat Auckland, with the inclusion of Sonny Bill Williams on the bench complementing the returns of Franks, Sam Whitelock and Brett.

Penney said he had been impressed with Williams' attitude and athleticism and was excited about finally having him at his disposal.

CANTERBURYSean Maitland, Tu Umaga-Marshall, Robbie Fruean, Ryan Crotty, Telusa Veainu, Stephen Brett, Andy Ellis, Nasi Manu, George Whitelock (c), Matt Todd, Isaac Ross, Sam Whitelock, Owen Franks, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Steve Fualau, Peter Borlase, Luke Romano, Ash Parker, Takerei Norton, Sam Monaghan, Sonny Bill Williams.

- © Fairfax NZ News