Braid back with Auckland

5 Jul 2010

Daniel Braid has rejoined the Auckland set up and will use the New Zealand provincial competition as a springboard for All Blacks selection.

The New Zealander, who has four Test caps to his name, was a standout for the Reds in this year’s Super 14. He has since signed a three-year deal with former province Auckland, and will wear the Blues’ No 7 jersey in the 2011 Super 15.

According to rugbyheaven.co.nz, Braid returned to New Zealand because of next year’s World Cup. While not in the same class as All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw, he’s a cut above the other contenders. Returning to Auckland is the first step towards realising his World Cup goal.

‘I’m motivated, I’m refreshed, I’ve had a stint overseas, I’ve just been away on my honeymoon, so now I’ve come back keen to get in and play some rugby for a union I love,’ said Braid.

‘I didn’t have the opportunity to play for the All Blacks while I was in Australia [playing for the Reds], and that’s still one of my goals – to make the All Black selectors want to pick me.’

The 29-year-old said the time with the Reds has helped his development and he returns to New Zealand a better player.

‘I was able to have a really big pre-season over there from October, and the preparation I put in was really important in terms of the form I had during the season. Having that amount of time to get the body right and to get fit was really good.’

Braid added that he aims to be selected for the All Blacks’ end-of-year tour.



4 Comments

  • 1.grant10: Reply to this comment
    5 Jul 2010, 11:08 am

    brussow/ steggmann type

  • 2.iori Yagami: Reply to this comment
    5 Jul 2010, 11:31 am

    Very good player. Had a great season for the Reds. Who is the current back up openside for the All Blacks?

  • 3.DonutDunning: Reply to this comment
    5 Jul 2010, 14:26 pm

    Good player. Not quite as good as Richie, but a very strong sub to have around. His time with the Reds did a world of good to his game.

    @iori Yagami(iori Yagami)-2: Good question. It was looking like Tanerau Latimer in recent times, but based on this years Super 14 the next form openside would probably be George Whitelock.

  • 4.Rhys7: Reply to this comment
    5 Jul 2010, 21:21 pm

    Best back up 7

    Latimer and Scott Waldrom are the next in line, not too bad..

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