Daniel Braid

[Caledfwlch]

With Holah now playing overseas, does anyone think that Braid has finally nailed a spot in the AB forward pack? With the likes of Kaino and other forwards making their mark this yea, I think Braid is going to be overlooked again.

 

[Juggernaut]

With the Cartel retained at the helm....I'm pretty sure they will stick with a lot of "their" guys.

So that means Masoe ahead of Braid once again.

 

[sambãd5]

yep. missing out again. braid - like ward, tito and gibbs who are (sadly) only going to be legends in there provence and nothing more. sure had some time in the black jersey - but lets face it - they just didnt quite have enough to be the best. very good yes. great - yes.
the best. no.

 

[candybum]

If Braid did perform like he did in the Air NZ cup last year, i think he should be given another crack at the All Blacks, he was impressive on his debut, but was then given very limited chances against fairly stink opposition at the 03 WC.

I think another option i can see him playing is no.6, too small for 8. I think the Holah and McCaw combo didn't work because, they only had one game together, and secondly they are both very similar players. But thats my opinion.

If Masoe was to be in the AB's i'd rather him play 6 or 8 more than 7.

 

[Orcaral]

yep. missing out again. braid - like ward, tito and gibbs who are (sadly) only going to be legends in there provence and nothing more. sure had some time in the black jersey - but lets face it - they just didnt quite have enough to be the best. very good yes. great - yes.
the best. no.
[/b]

I wouldn't really call those guys legends in their provinces. Gibbs and Braid maybe when they finish their careers, but not Ward and Tito. When you think of provincial legends you can guys like Carlos Spencer for Auckland or Tana Umaga for Wellington. Ward and Tito were guys who gave their provinces good service, nothing more IMO.

I certainly hope Braid can make it into the All Blacks this year, especially if he continues his 2007 form. Played better than McCaw IMO. If the ELVs are adopted, a genuine, fast paced, linker 7 to cover for McCaw becomes much more important. Don't think a utility like Masoe will cut it, especially since he's not the 2nd best in any of the backrow postions he covers for.

But who knows, Graham Henry said he'll start the year with a clean slate... we'll see how he lives up to that.

 

[ChiefsFan]

Holah hasn't been in the ABs for the past 4 years (regurlarly), so what makes you think taht now he's gone Braid will be in?

 

[Juggernaut]

<div class='quotemain'>
yep. missing out again. braid - like ward, tito and gibbs who are (sadly) only going to be legends in there provence and nothing more. sure had some time in the black jersey - but lets face it - they just didnt quite have enough to be the best. very good yes. great - yes.
the best. no.
[/b]

I wouldn't really call those guys legends in their provinces. Gibbs and Braid maybe when they finish their careers, but not Ward and Tito. When you think of provincial legends you can guys like Carlos Spencer for Auckland or Tana Umaga for Wellington. Ward and Tito were guys who gave their provinces good service, nothing more IMO.
[/b][/quote]

I think what sambad5 was trying to say is that these players (Ward, Tito, etc) only going to be legends in their province because of their exploits for their province only...and not reaching the pinnacle of their career in a Black Jersey. A good example of this Eroni Clarke.

Of course King Carlos & Umaga are legends....and that's because of what they achieved for both province & country.

P.S: Tito is a legend in Taranaki...according to my friend from New Plymouth.

 

[Orcaral]

<div class='quotemain'> <div class='quotemain'>
yep. missing out again. braid - like ward, tito and gibbs who are (sadly) only going to be legends in there provence and nothing more. sure had some time in the black jersey - but lets face it - they just didnt quite have enough to be the best. very good yes. great - yes.
the best. no.
[/b]

I wouldn't really call those guys legends in their provinces. Gibbs and Braid maybe when they finish their careers, but not Ward and Tito. When you think of provincial legends you can guys like Carlos Spencer for Auckland or Tana Umaga for Wellington. Ward and Tito were guys who gave their provinces good service, nothing more IMO.
[/b][/quote]

I think what sambad5 was trying to say is that these players (Ward, Tito, etc) only going to be legends in their province because of their exploits for their province only...and not reaching the pinnacle of their career in a Black Jersey. A good example of this Eroni Clarke.

Of course King Carlos & Umaga are legends....and that's because of what they achieved for both province & country.

P.S: Tito is a legend in Taranaki...according to my friend from New Plymouth.
[/b][/quote]

I'm from Auckland and no way is Ward an Auckland legend. Maybe Tuitupo would be a better example, very limited time in the Black jersey, but was a hugely influential player with Auckland, both on and off the field and a fan favourite.

Carlos cemented his place firmly in Auckland first, and to be honest is more known for his Auckland/Blues exploits than his All Blacks ones, as he wasn't first choice All Black #10 for too many years. So to me and many others he will always be an Auckland legend before an All Black one.

I'll give you Tito though.

Holah hasn't been in the ABs for the past 4 years (regurlarly), so what makes you think taht now he's gone Braid will be in?
[/b]

This has nothing to do with Holah being gone or not. Take your eye-patch off mate. If Holah was still here and second best openside in the country I'd be saying the same things about him that I have said about Braid.

And to answer your question, I have already stated my reasons. Maybe you could try actually reading my post.

 

[Juggernaut]

OK!! maybe Ward was a bad example but you do get the point of where he was coming from..

Hard-hitting Sammy is a good example along with Eroni Clarke, Xavier Rush & Waisake Sotutu.

 

[ChiefsFan]

@ Orcaral

I was refering to the thread posters comments.

 

[sambãd5]

actually...

seeing how he played with the new evls, he is a real contender. i would hate to see the all blacks become the all backs again, because its extremely important for fowards to be fowards. strong scrum, good lineouts, and effective defence by the flankers, but braid has a very quick natutre about him. if he were to get his technique to at least close to mccaw, then he will be definatly worth a look at.

 

[fcukernaut]

actually...

seeing how he played with the new evls, he is a real contender. i would hate to see the all blacks become the all backs again, because its extremely important for fowards to be fowards. strong scrum, good lineouts, and effective defence by the flankers, but braid has a very quick natutre about him. if he were to get his technique to at least close to mccaw, then he will be definatly worth a look at. [/b]

I think he's one of the most unlucky players in history, coming up just after an all-time legend reaches his prime. Damn shame.