Former Reds flanker Daniel Braid to play for Blues in the 2011 Super Rugby Semi-final
New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) player, Daniel Braid, will take on his former team-mates from the Reds in the Semi-final of the 2011 Super Rugby Championship on Saturday, July 2 at Suncorp Stadium.
Daniel returned to New Zealand at the start of the current season after Australian Rugby Union (ARU) turned down the Australian Super Rugby franchise Reds’ request to extend the contract of the former international flanker Daniel.
The veteran flanker joined the Reds in the 2009/10 season and delivered some exceptional on-field performances. Blues expect the player to bring his skills and abilities, however, another of Daniel’s expected contributions is to provide his new team-mates
about information related to the Reds strengths and weaknesses and their game plan.
Daniel returns for the Blues for their all-important match after an absence of approximately six weeks. Earlier in the season, Daniel sustained a serious neck injury and was sidelined from the Blues squad.
Daniel missed the Blues earlier encounter against the Reds. He said, “"I couldn't really (help the side in their earlier match) because I was laid up with my neck at that stage and didn't have the opportunity to come in and help out, this time we'll be geared
up for it.”
Blues, as part of their match preparations, have arrived early in Brisbane. Blues captain Keven Mealamu stated that his squads delayed arrival at Brisbane in their last home encounter against the Reds may have cost them that game.
Daniel is expected to start from the bench, as he’ll watch his younger brother, Luke Braid, take the field in the Saturday’s crunch game. Commenting on the performance of Luke, Daniel said, “I'm a proud big brother, he's been playing outstanding this year.”
Commenting on his side’s preparations to tackle the likes of Quade Cooper and Will Genia, Daniel confirmed, “There's a few things that Quade and Will like to do and we'll have a look at some video and listen for the calls.”
The 30-year-old Daniel started his professional rugby union career with the Auckland and Blues teams in 2001 and 2003 seasons respectively. He made his international debut for All Blacks in 2002 and earned five test caps.
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