Colin Slade

Versatile and talented, with a composed head on his shoulders, Colin Slade has proved himself as “Mr Reliable” whenever called upon to deliver in the black jersey.

His handling, kicking and running abilities are all solid and as he matured he added a sound defensive game and proficiency under the high ball. He is a reliable place kicker and while he prefers the first five-eighth position, has earned regular selection in sides because of his ability to play almost anywhere in the backline, providing coaches and captains with an array of options.

Slade’s first appearance in a black jersey came for New Zealand Under 19 in 2006 at the World Championships. He played in all five matches as the team progressed to the Final and scored 61 points including four tries. In 2007, he played for New Zealand Under 21 against Canada alongside a number of his future All Blacks teammates including Owen Franks and Ben Smith. He then appeared for the Junior All Blacks in 2009 and the New Zealand Barbarians in 2010.

The story of Slade’s career in the All Blacks has been linked with injury – both to other players and himself – but he both made the most of his opportunities and refused to be deterred. First called into the All Blacks in 2010 as an injury replacement, he made his debut in against Australia in Sydney. His appearances against Fiji and in the 2011 Tri Nations the following year saw him earn selection for the Rugby World Cup, ahead of recent All Blacks first five-eighths Stephen Donald and Aaron Cruden. He appeared in five matches in the Tournament, with increased responsibility after Daniel Carter suffered a groin injury in training. An injury in the quarterfinal against Argentina then brought Slade’s own tournament to an end.

After RWC 2011, it seemed that Slade’s time in the black jersey was at an end but then history repeated itself. A single appearance in 2013 as an injury replacement was followed by extended stints as cover in 2014 and Slade added a further six Tests and 16 points to his record during the Investec Rugby Championship and MyRepublic Northern Tour.

Slade made his provincial debut for Canterbury in 2008 and debuted for the Crusaders a year later in 2009. He shifted south to the Highlanders in 2011 to gain more playing time at first five and spent three seasons with the team, continuing to turn out for Canterbury in the ITM Cup. He didn’t get a lot of rugby while with the Highlanders, though, as two broken jaws and a leg fracture limited his appearances. Slade returned to the Crusaders in 2014 while Carter was on an extended break from the game and remained in Christchurch for 2015. His form was such that he was often named at first five-eighth with Carter at second five and Tom Taylor – a 2013 All Blacks first five – used at fullback.