6 Oct 2011

Blackadder confident Slade is up to World Cup duties

5:46 pm on 6 October 2011

The Crusaders coach and former All Blacks captain Todd Blackadder believes first five Colin Slade will be better off with Dan Carter out of the All Black frame for the rest of the World Cup.

Blackadder, who coached Slade before the first five shifted to the Highlanders, says Slade has been a bits and pieces player up until now as Carter has always been the main focus.

However as the top number ten now, Blackadder, says within a hugely experienced lineup, Slade will stand tall.

He believes the All Blacks will have more clarity this week and settle on their combinations.

Blackadder suggests Ma'a Nonu is likely to play and Piri Weepu could be put at half back, and if that's the case he'll take the goal kicking duties, which will be one less thing for Slade to worry about.