Rugby: Slade turns focus to Ranfurly Shield

Canterbury utility Colin Slade is keen to put his All Blacks disappointment behind him. Photo / Getty Images

Canterbury utility Colin Slade is turning his attentions to Thursday's Ranfurly Shield defence following the disappointment of missing out on the All Blacks squad.

The 22-year-old has missed out on the end-of-year tour, with specialists Ben Smith and Mike Delany picked ahead of him.

Slade says the non-selection is hard to accept, but he is relieved the All Blacks announcement has come and gone. He says in some respects it will be nice to concentrate on playing for the team rather than worrying about individual accolades.

Slade says Graham Henry was brief when he informed him of his non-selection. He says Henry is pretty straight to the point and he told him they have decided to pick specialists ahead of him.

Slade says he still wants to play first five-eighths, but for now is happy to bide his time at fullback.

Meanwhile, the All Blacks begin a three day training camp in Auckland today ahead of the Northern Tour.

- NEWSTALK ZB