2 Mar 2012

Slade on the bench for the Highlanders

12:43 pm on 2 March 2012

The second of the injured All Black World Cup first fives returns to action this weekend with Colin Slade named on the bench for the Highlander's Super Rugby match against the Crusaders in Dunedin tomorrow night.

With Chris Noakes suffering an ankle injury in their first up win over the Chiefs last weekend, Lima Sopoaga starts in the ten jersey.

Slade tore a groin muscle during the World Cup.

In the only other change to the Highlanders side aaron Smith starts at halfback with Jimmy Cowan now on the bench.

Aaron Cruden is back playing for the Chiefs, while Dan Carter is expected to return to the Crusaders in a couple of weeks.