Colin Slade. Photo / Getty Images
Former All Black first-five Grant Fox has backed Colin Slade to come good this Rugby World Cup, despite a shaky start against Japan on Friday.
Slade landed just one from four kicks early on against the Cherry Blossoms to reignite fears that the All Blacks still lack a dependable back-up
to Dan Carter. But Fox, speaking to Radio Sport, suggested Slade will improve and could even be useful cover for other positions.
"He started wonky with the goal kicking and there were a couple of dropsies, but in between times he was solid enough. I still don't fancy the idea of Piri Weepu playing in the 10 position for a long period of the game. I'm still a great believer in [Weepu's] talent as a rugby player and his ability to do a cameo at first five-eight, but for the longer haul, perhaps not.
"When Slade went to fullback against Japan, maybe they were having a look at that option too for injury cover. Slade is not just in there necessarily as an out-and-out 10."
Slade eventually finished the game with 23 points (nine conversions, one try). Fox said he worked himself back into the game and was part of a "pretty solid All Black performance."
