First five primed for national duty

SPEED: Canterbury's Colin Slade beats Steelers David Raikuna.

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Colin Slade has learnt not to get ahead of himself.

Called into the All Blacks during last year's Tri-Nations, the 22-year-old wasn't required in either of the matchday 22s during his two weeks in camp. He missed out on the end-of-year tour too, with the likes of Mike Delany and Ben Smith preferred ahead of him.

So while the Canterbury first-five was chuffed when All Blacks manager Darren Shand rang on Tuesday to say he'd made the 26-man squad to travel to Sydney for the September 11 clash with the Wallabies, he's not doing cartwheels yet.

"Selection's only half the job and you've got to go out there and take the opportunity, both at trainings and obviously if I get an opportunity on the field too," Slade said yesterday.

He met All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith yesterday morning, and they talked about what had helped propel him into the squad, but didn't get as far as confirming he'd be in the 22.

"He said it was a combination of the fact that I'm back at 10, but also that I've had a bit of experience at fullback and other positions. I think that'll help me in the selection.

"I'm not too sure yet [if that means the 22]. It's early days. So I'm on the plane and pretty happy."

Starved of play at first-five for Canterbury and the Crusaders because of the presence of Daniel Carter and Stephen Brett in recent years, Slade has opted to play his Super rugby for the Highlanders next year.

The national selectors have made him unavailable for the red-and-blacks tomorrow night.

Fellow All Blacks squad members Corey Flynn, Owen Franks and Sam Whitelock are in Canterbury's starting XV to meet Bay of Plenty, but not Slade.

"I'm not too sure [why]. I just sort of got the word that I won't be playing," Slade said.

"I've got a lot to get my head around, in terms of all the moves and all the game-plan stuff, and being a 10 that's really important.

"So I think they just want me to get my head round that and just relax a bit and get ready for next week."

At A Glance: All Blacks squad to play Australia: Mils Muliaina, Israel Dagg, Cory Jane, Joe Rokocoko, Rene Ranger, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Benson Stanley, Aaron Cruden, Colin Slade, Jimmy Cowan, Piri Weepu, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (captain), Jerome Kaino, Victor Vito, Brad Thorn, Tom Donnelly, Sam Whitelock, Anthony Boric, Owen Franks, Ben Franks, John Afoa, Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu, Corey Flynn.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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