Colin Slade out for at least 6 weeks

[nickdnz]

The first week of New Zealand teams in action has claimed an early casualty, as new Highlanders recruit Colin Slade has suffered a fractured jaw which will see him sidelined for at least six weeks.

The Highlanders number ten suffered a hard knock to the jaw, and a x-ray confirmed that he will not come back until the Highlanders away game against the Stormers in round four.

He will all but be guaranteed to be fit for the Highlanders derby match against Slade's old team the Crusaders.

Slade, arguably the Southern franchise's highest profile recruit, played an impressive cameo off the bench in Sydney last year to earn his debut All Blacks cap as the 1,107th player to wear New Zealand test colours.

The first five-eighth is considered a contender for the All Blacks backup number ten position, and the injury will be a set back for the talented former Christchurch Boys High playmaker.

The obvious contenders for the All Blacks reserve playmaker behind Carter is Slade, Stephen Donald, Aaron Cruden and Mike Delany - in no particular order.

The injury gives Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph a selection headache, with Southland utility back Robbie Robinson and teenage playmaker Lima Sapoaga the obvious contenders to fill Slade's shoes.

http://www.allblacks.com/news/15324/First-All-Black-injured-for-year-as-Slade-suffers-fractured-jaw

Certainly not going to do his RWC bid any help, especially considering the Highlanders will get a whooping with out him.

 

[Kiwiwomble]

bit of a long call to say without him wil will get a "whooping", its a very different team to the one we have had in the past so im still positive...although gutted at the same time

 

[Shaggy]

Wow, looks like the depth of the Highlanders squad is being tested early ... not good news for Slade, but he probably still will have time to challenge for All black selection when he comes back in 6 weeks

 

[Larksea]

my jaw hot the floor when I saw this had happened. Better now than in three months time I guess but pre season is the chance for him to Gel with the team and build combinations. Still nto nice for Slade and we really need all our 10's at their best this year challenging for AB's selection.

 

[Amobokoboko]

Sad to hear, altho I think the Highlanders should keep their heads on and just give it the full 100%. I see them winning some big games.