Rugby: Blackadder picks Slade ahead of Brett

Colin Slade will start at first five-eighth for the Crusaders against the Chiefs. Photo / Getty Images

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New Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has named Colin Slade at first five-eighth ahead of Stephen Brett for their Super 14 opener against the Chiefs in Christchurch on Saturday.

Slade stared for Canterbury in last year's Air New Zealand Cup in the absence of Brett, whose 2008 season was marred by injury.

Reserve halfback Kahn Fotuali'i has been bracketed on the bench with newcomer Steve Alfeld.

Crusaders
Leon MacDonald, Jared Payne, Casey Laulala, Tim Bateman, Kade Poki, Colin Slade, Andy Ellis, Thomas Waldrom, Richie McCaw (captain), Kieran Read, Ross Filipo, Brad Thorn, Ben Franks, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett.

Reserves: Jason Macdonald, Bronson Murray, Isaac Ross, George Whitelock, Kahn Fotuali'i/Steve Alfeld, Stephen Brett, Adam Whitelock.

- NEWSTALK ZB