New Zealand 79-15 Canada, Rugby World Cup, October 2, 2011
Henry puts faith in Slade
ESPNscrum Staff
October 2, 2011
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Colin Slade takes the All Blacks' fly-half reins on the day that Dan Carter has been ruled out of the tournament, New Zealand v Canada, Wellington Stadium, New Zealand, October 2, 2011
Colin Slade has endured a mixed World Cup so far © Getty Images
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Teams: Canada | New Zealand

New Zealand coach Graham Henry has backed Colin Slade to fill the shirt of fallen star Dan Carter.

Slade started at No.10 for the All Blacks in their final pool match against Canada after Carter suffered a tournament-ending groin injury. The Highlanders playmaker impressed with ball in hand as the All Blacks ran in 12 tries against the Canucks, but he missed a number of kicks at goal.

Replacement Piri Weepu was more accurate from the tee and also took over the playmaking duties once Slade was sidelined. However in a show of faith in the young fly-half, Henry has insisted that Slade is the man to replace the talismanic Carter.

"Colin Slade's the boy," said Henry. "He just needs more football. We see Colin as the guy to play and we're just going to have to take him and see how he's performing out there and get him through."

Winger Zac Guildford scored four of New Zealand's tries in a performance that could win him a place in the starting XV for the All Blacks' quarter-final clash against Agrentina.

"He played well which was particularly pleasing. He set very good standards over the last four weeks. He is a natural candidate for next week,"

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