The Canterbury first-five eighth Colin Slade says while his ability to play other positions strengthened his case for All Black selection he's happiest in the number 10 jersey.
Slade's backing up Aaron Cruden in the squad for the final Tri Nations test in Sydney on Saturday week as Dan Carter recovers from ankle surgery.
With Carter and Stephen Brett also in Christchurch, Slade's been a utility in the Canterbury and Crusaders backlines, till this season when he's moved ahead of Brett.
Carter's return to the Crusaders next season would've limited Slade's time at first-five and he's happy he'll be at the Highlanders and in his preferred position.
Slade says on one hand it it's been a frustrating playing in other positions such a s fullback but it's also helped his game and now it's time to take his chance to stake a claim.
He impressed the All Black head coach in Canterbury's big win over Auckland at the weekend but Graham Henry doesn't know how much time he'll get on the field in Sydney-- if any.
Henry says Cruden will start and could play the full 80 minutes but it's important he's backed up by the provincial championship's form No10.
