Finally the anointment came, the answer to the question which has fascinated rugby followers all year - Colin Slade would be the backup All Black five-eighth.
The one-test All Black had eased into the Tri-Nations squad as deputy to Daniel Carter and if his form and twice-broken jaw holds, must have the inside running for the World Cup.
"He adds a different dimension but we pondered that selection for a while because he has not played as much as we wanted," assistant coach Wayne Smith said.
Slade's backfield play, work under the high ball and counter-attack had all been strong parts of his selection claims. There have also been favourable reports about his leadership.
Who is your preferred choice as Dan Carter's backup? Here is the latest selection of Your Views:
Who is your preferred All Black choice as Dan Carter's backup?
Photo / Duncan Brown
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