Rugby: Slade returns for Highlanders

Colin Slade. Photo / Getty Images

Colin Slade will finally make his return to first class rugby, having fully recovered from a broken jaw in pre-season.

Slade's been named at first-five in Jamie Joseph's starting lineup to take on the Brumbies in Invercargill tomorrow.

Slade says he's enlisted advice from veteran first-five Tony Brown to try and get back on his feet.

He says he doesn't want to be a master yet because he's still learning his craft.

Robbie Robinson's been left out of the side as a result of his arrest for street fighting.

Highlanders: Ben Smith, Kade Poki, Kendrick Lynn, Shaun Treeby, Siale Piutau, Colin Slade, Jimmy Cowan, Nasi Manu, Alando Soakai, Adam Thomson, Tom Donnelly, Jarrad Hoeata, Chris King, Jason Rutledge, Jamie Mackintosh (captain).

Reserves: Mo Schwalger, Halani Aulika, Josh Bekhuis, Nick Crosswell, Aaron Smith, Tony Brown, James Paterson.

- NEWSTALK ZB