Henry recommends movement for Brett and Slade

All Blacks head coach Graham Henry has urged Stephen Brett and Colin Slade to continue their development outside Canterbury, arguing the presence of Daniel Carter will stunt their progression to top level rugby.

With Carter, who is presently sidelined by injury, recommitting to Canterbury and the Crusaders, Brett and Slade are destined to play in his shadow at Super 14 level during 2010.

Barring another injury to New Zealand's premier pivot, at least one of the Junior All Blacks duo will battle to mature into the playmaking role.

New Zealand's first five-eighth stocks are thinner at the top level, but there is a solid amount of depth in the second tiers.
 
Stephen Donald and Luke McAlister were cleared of injury, but Henry was contemplating using halfback Piri Weepu or the uncapped Brett against the Wallabies here on Saturday.

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder started Slade at No 10 but he ended up on the wing while Brett did not impose himself in general play and his goalkicking was mixed.

Asked today whether either should contemplate leaving Christchurch, Henry was adamant it was a wise career move.

"I think they have to for their own sake, for their own future in the game," he said.

Brett has been training with the All Blacks this week, but Henry said he had not spoken to him specifically about his future.

"I don't think it's my job to do that, I could get into trouble," he smiled, arguing Brett and Slade should already be aware of their predicament.

"Obviously Daniel is secure and for the guys to move on in the game and see how good they're going to be ... I think when they're blocked they have to make good decisions about what they do."

Henry said while loyalty to a province or franchise was admirable it could also be detrimental.

"I think it's important young footballers look at their situation and say `OK' their loyalty is one thing but it can be misplaced.

"There's been players in New Zealand in the past that have had a lot of loyalty to a particular province, they haven't moved and fulfilled their potential."

Henry's view may not be shared in his former home of Christchurch, particularly as his adopted Auckland is the province most in need of a first five-eighth.

The Auckland Rugby Union failed to entice Carter north when he was off-contract with Canterbury and although the Blues now have Luke McAlister's services, he is not a specialist pivot.

Daniel Bowden has returned home from a stint with the Highlanders but a player of Slade or Brett's raw talent would still be appreciated in the country's biggest rugby catchment.

Canterbury have previously resisted attempts to share their talent at No 10.

In 2005 they included Andrew Mehrtens, Carter and Aaron Mauger among their 24 `protected' players.

Meanwhile, Henry was pleased with Brett's contribution at All Blacks training.

"Stephen Brett has fitted in well, he's trained well. It's good to know there's another cab (on the rank) sitting back a couple of places."