New Zealand
French departure shouldn't cruel Slade of Cup start
Richard Kelly
April 16, 2015
Greg Growden runs an eye over Round 10 of Super Rugby

In the wake of Colin Slade's decision to continue his career in Pau, New Zealand Rugby may be left to rue the loss of a player who has held great utility value for the All Blacks. With Dan Carter coming towards the end of his career, his team-mate at the Crusaders certainly appeared the heir apparent at club level.

Slade has become an accomplished playmaker over the past couple of years, his cool head and solid skill-set helping the Crusaders to reach last year's Super Rugby final. He would later kick the winning conversion in Bledisloe III and could have found himself a Test regular had he not taken the offer of a handsome deal in France; but who can blame him.

As we edge towards Rugby World Cup 2015, we compare Slade with his New Zealand rivals to see if he has legitimate claims to the All Blacks No.10 jersey.

Super Rugby

The Crusaders fly-half is, without question, among the top goal-kickers in the competition. Only Simon Hickey has kicked at a significantly higher success rate over a sustained period, though the youngster has slipped down the pecking order at the Blues this season.

Hurricanes counterpart Beauden Barrett has the edge when it comes to busting tackles, but there is little separating the pair, as well as Aaron Cruden and Lima Sopoaga, when it comes to actually breaking the line. Barrett's dangerous running game is indeed an asset, but beating defenders counts for little unless it leads to a line-break - a major problem for France in their recent Six Nations and November campaigns.

NameDaniel CarterBeauden BarrettColin SladeAaron Cruden
TeamCrusadersHurricanesCrusadersChiefs
PositionFly HalfFly HalfFly HalfFly Half
Appearances3222119
Mins 180171515601454
Points19281243194
Tries 642
Conversion2402935
Missed Conversion 22612
Penalty Goal5575538
Missed Penalty Goal2171719
Drop Goal    
Missed Drop Goal1111
Goal Kicking %78%71%79%70%
Carries17203129138
Metres44974828551
Average Gain2.64.86.44.0
Clean Breaks1181715
Defenders Beaten1423030
Offloads2151724
Try Assists0856
Passes67597361294
Kicks in Play1024612697
Tackles17137147120
Missed Tackles3372928
Tackle %85%79%84%81%
Turnovers Won3985
Turnovers Conceded4282934
Penalties Conceded1669

Slade also is a strong defender who does not shirk his tackling responsibilities, while his offload game is one that only Cruden can top across the New Zealand No.10s. Slade's ability to get over the advantage line is one of his greatest assets, particularly with defence likely to dominate attack in England later this year.

The All Blacks

Though the financial gain of a move to France is a factor, a key stat in Slade's departure sits at the top of his Test record. He has played just seven Tests since the All Blacks lifted the Rugby World Cup on home soil, only three of which have been in his preferred position.

He can be forgiven for thinking a Test start at No.10 may have been out of reach as he seems to sit behind Carter, Cruden and Barrett; though his Super Rugby form makes it hard to see why. Even in the Test arena, Slade has shown himself to be the best defender of all the contenders while he is also crafty with ball in hand.

Colin Slade kicked the match-winning conversion in Bledisloe III last year © Getty Images
Enlarge

Carter may be in the twilight of his career, yet his All Blacks form over the past four years justifies his place in the team. He turns in similar attacking figures to the elusive and exciting Barrett, who has played just 42 minutes fewer than Carter since the beginning of 2012.

Cruden does not boast the size and strength of his playmaking rivals but his offload ability and creativity trump the others. The goal-kicking of Cruden - and Barrett, too, for that matter - remains a concern and the stats suggest are Slade and, of course, Carter are the best men for the job in a nail-biting knockout clash at RWC 2015.

It's a selection headache of the best kind for All Blacks coach Steve Hansen, and the numbers definitely make a case for Slade's inclusion despite his long-term future lying in France.

© Opta Stats for ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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