Rugby: Canterbury name All Blacks duo for Shield clash

Canterbury fullback Colin Slade. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Returning All Black squad members Colin Slade and Wyatt Crockett were today included in the Canterbury rugby side for their Ranfurly Shield defence on Saturday.

Slade comes in at fullback and Crockett at loosehead prop for the Air NZ Cup leaders' match against Northland.

Their inclusion means Sean Maitland moves to the right wing and Andrew Olorenshaw to the reserves bench.

Openside flanker George Whitelock, who missed last weekend's win over Taranaki with a high ankle sprain, remains sidelined.

Matt Todd will again take his place in the No 7 jersey, with second-five Tim Bateman captaining the side for the second week.

Utility back Adam Whitelock, a second-half substitute against Taranaki, injured a knee in training on Monday and was ruled out.

Canterbury coach Rob Penney said his players were looking to build on good performances over the past fortnight against Otago and Taranaki.

"Northland will bring some challenges for us," he said.

"They have some dangerous backs, so we will have to go into the match with the right mental attitude once again."

Canterbury
Colin Slade, Sean Maitland, Casey Laulala, Tim Bateman (captain), Tu Umaga-Marshall, Stephen Brett, Andy Ellis, Ash Parker, Matt Todd, Michael Paterson, James Broadhurst, Sam Whitelock, Peter Borlase, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett.

Reserves - Ti'i Paulo, Andrew Olorenshaw, Nasi Manu, Aaron McCoy, Tyson Keats, Chris Small, James Paterson.

- NZPA