Highlander Slade breaks jaw
Otago Highlanders five-eighth Colin Slade is set to miss the first month of the Super rugby season after breaking his jaw during Saturday's trial against Auckland.
The All Blacks hopeful was injured attempting to tackle Luke McAlister during the Highlanders' 29-31 pre-season loss to the Blues in Balclutha and is expected to be sidelined for six weeks.
He played on after sustaining the injury but was forced from the field five minutes later. An x-ray confirmed the break and he underwent an operation on Sunday.
Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph was disappointed to lose Slade but urged his side to overcome the setback.
"We're a team of 32, not just one guy, so we just have to carry on. There are able replacements. There's worse things that can happen," he told the Otago Daily Times.
Southland pivot Robbie Robinson and Wellington youngster Lima Sopoaga will battle to fill Slade's boots.
Post a comment about this article
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Becoming a member is free and easy, sign up here.