Rugby: Slade may be one to miss squad

Dan Carter in action against Wales at Carisbrook in 2010. Photos by Peter McIntosh.
Dan Carter in action against Wales at Carisbrook in 2010. Photos by Peter McIntosh.
Beauden Barrett (right) with Ben Smith beside him, views options against England at Forsyth Barr...
Beauden Barrett (right) with Ben Smith beside him, views options against England at Forsyth Barr Stadium last year
Colin Slade looks to move the ball on with Wyatt Crockett in support while Fijian prop Campese Ma...
Colin Slade looks to move the ball on with Wyatt Crockett in support while Fijian prop Campese Ma'afu comes across at Carisbrook in 2011

Four does not go into three. So who is going to make the cut to travel to England to wear the No10 black jersey for the World Cup. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn looks at the four contenders and decides who is going to be earning some air miles come early September.

 

DAN CARTER

Age: 33

Test caps: 104

Pros: On-form and injury-free, Carter cannot be touched as a No 10. Has the kicking game, the running game and the defensive game to win any match for his side. Has the temperament for test rugby and tends to always choose the right option at the critical moments. Appears to be coming into the right sort of form just as the World Cup looms.

Cons: Has a brittle body and bones appear to be made of glass at times. Can his frame stand up to playing seven games in seven weeks ?Carter has strained, bent or broken most parts of his body over the past few years.

Going into his fourth World Cup, but was set to be the big star of the show in the previous three only to never really feature. Turned out to be Pete Best rather than Paul or John.

Chances: Pack the passport - he's aboard but may have to be transported in cotton wool.

 

BEAUDEN BARRETT

Age: 24

Test caps: 29

Pros: Has got a great running game which suits the All Blacks' free-flowing style. Can run like the wind and is as quick as most wingers.

Takes the ball to the line and gets most players flustered with his ability to break through gaps. Is great at spotting mismatches and freeing up those outside him. A crafty kicking game which can sometimes find space. Has run in some great tries since he made his debut in 2012.

Cons: Two months ago, Barrett looked the goods. But a knee injury seems to have robbed him of much of his Midas touch. All of a sudden there is talk of some mysterious hip problem, there was a shoddy display in the Super rugby final and questions about his utility value off the bench. Doubts linger over his kicking game.

Barrett just needs to get out there and play a commanding game in the No 10 jersey. But will he get the chance as the games dry up ?

Chances: Will be on the plane and he should get used to sitting on the long haul to England as sitting, as in on the bench, which will be what he probably does during the tournament.

 

COLIN SLADE

Age: 27

Test caps: 19

Pros: Over the past two seasons, Slade had made every post a winner. Had a breakout year in 2014 and was probably the best player on the All Blacks' northern hemisphere trip last year.

Is quick over the first 10m, a prerequisite to be a quality first five-eighth, and has improved his kicking game.

Can pass well off both hands and appears to be putting any injury issues to bed.

Cons: There is still that lingering doubt about Slade. Does anyone know his best position? Taken out of his comfort zone in Canterbury, will he perform ? Can his body take it? May not have impressed the head honchos by chasing the top dollar in France when he could still be playing here.

Chances: Sorry, will be waving from the terminal.

 

LIMA SOPOAGA

Age: 24

Test caps: 1

Pros: Is the man of the moment. Led the Highlanders round the paddock and marched them to the glory of the 2015 Super rugby title. Has improved his goal-kicking out of sight over the past two years and appears to have that uncoachable ability to take the right option.

Made a cool test debut which would have showed he can stand the tension of playing at the World Cup. Has a good understanding with test halfback Aaron Smith.

Cons: History. He would love to scrub the years 2011-13 from his career. That was when he was green and often injured. There is always that feeling he could - though unlikely - come out and play like that again. Occasionally misses a straightforward shot at goal.

Chances: New boy on the block and should avoid having to endure an Invercargill spring.

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