• Fixtures
• Results

Braid a player in demand

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:14

Daniel Braid's performance at flank for the Reds against the Chiefs on Friday was exceptional.

The Reds scored an impressive 23-18 win over the Chiefs in Hamilton and Braid was pivotal to that victory, both as loose forward and as inspirational vice-captain.

The 2007 New Zealand player of the year, Braid played four Tests for the All Blacks before joining the Reds ahead of the 2009 Super 14. His first season was cut short by an Achilles tendon rupture but he has certainly made an impact this year.

The Reds are now desperate to keep Braid contracted and are even trying to bend the rules to do that.

But stuff.co.nz reports that the Reds' grip on the 29-year-old is tenuous. As an overseas player signed under the Australian Rugby Union's (ARU) "marquee player" dispensation, Braid is  allowed only two seasons with the franchise.

Reds' head coach Ewen McKenzie has asked Queensland to investigate an extension for Braid believing there are extenuating circumstances next season with Melbourne set to join the extended Super 15 and given an exemption to sign 10 overseas players.

The Rebels' arrival means the Australian market is about to enter a free-for-all stage that could further dilute their struggling player resources.

"I'll definitely ask the ARU for clarity on the position with Braidy for next season because when the rule was put in place there was no Melbourne Rebels or the concession that they could sign ten players from overseas for 2011," McKenzie told Australian media.

"I don't see the ARU changing their position but you have to find out if they'll vary the rule."

According to Stuff, McKenzie has been thrilled with Braid's form and his ability to adapt to the new law interpretations. Braid was at his very best when he outplayed incumbent All Black number seven Tanerau Latimer when the Reds upset the Chiefs and it was a performance that thrust him back into the spotlight in New Zealand.

"Daniel identifies the important little things in how we prepare, and he's reinvented himself as a great link player under the new law interpretations. He's very good for us," said McKenzie.

The new law applications suit Braid and suddenly he appears to be a player in demand.

The Reds are getting a bonus season out of Braid. Stuff reports that he was going to move to Llanelli Scarlets before last year's Achilles injury upset those plans.

Braid now faces another major decision after this year's Super 14.

Does he try to extend his contract with the Reds? Does he look for a contract back home in New Zealand and have a go at selection for the World Cup as backup to Richie McCaw? Or does he look to a European club?

Contact Us | Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy | Advertising

This site requires cookies to be enabled!

Send Feedback on Rugby365!

News | Tournaments | SA Schools

Copyright © 2009 Primedia Online. All rights reserved. Developed by Primedia Online