Tuesday 4 November 2014 08:35, UK
New Zealand have drafted in Colin Slade and James Parsons as injury cover ahead of Saturday’s crunch Test with England.
Slade has been added to the All Blacks’ 34-man squad after winger Cory Jane tweaked a hamstring in their 74-6 win over the United States, while hooker Parsons replaces Nathan Harris, who injured his ankle in the same match.
Both players were already in London after playing for the Barbarians in Saturday’s thrilling contest with Austraila.
New Zealand have plenty of strength in depth on the wings so head coach Steve Hansen has decided to bring in Slade, who was considered unlucky to have missed out on selection in the first place after kicking New Zealand to a 29-28 win over Australia last month.
Instead, the selectors opted to give star fly-half Dan Carter an armchair ride back from injury.
Slade already has 15 Test caps but the uncapped Parsons is considered a more left-field choice.
The 27-year-old will provide cover for Dane Coles and Keven Mealamu, a position where the All Blacks have admitted they lack the depth evident elsewhere in the team.
"Looking forward to getting stuck into the week ahead," Parsons tweeted.
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