3 Oct 2011

Slade is the boy says Henry

1:43 pm on 3 October 2011

Colin Slade is the All Blacks first choice first five at this stage according to coach Graham Henry.

Slade had a solid game in their emphatic 79-15 victory over Canada in their final pool A Rugby World Cup match in Wellington on Sunday, although he wasn't put under a lot of pressure defensively.

Slade is under scrutiny following the tournament-ending injury to Dan Carter.

Piri Weepu took over from Slade at number 10 midway thru the second half, but Graham Henry says nothing has changed regarding that position.

A couple of players took knocks in Sunday's game, but all are expected to be available for this Sunday's quarter-final against Argentina.