Braid calls for unified All Blacks

Junior All Blacks captain Daniel Braid has called on a number of ousted New Zealand internationals to prove their worth in the team’s IRB Pacific Nations Cup title defence.

The New Zealand second string contains 18 one-time Test players, including recent tourists Jimmy Cowan, Ma’a Nonu and Rico Gear.

However Braid, who leads the team alongside fellow flanker Marty Holah, called on his team-mates to make their point in the forthcoming campaign.

He told The New Zealand Herald: “There’s a lot of talk about these guys being disappointed, but we’ve got a chance as a good group of players to pull together and play some good rugby in pretty challenging conditions.”

Braid himself has played his way back into contention for a World Cup place after a number of seasons on the periphery.

A strong Super 14 season with the Blues earned him a return to international honours.

His selection as skipper of the Juniors has put him in contention to challenge incumbent Chris Masoe – and co-captain Holah – for the role of deputy to All Blacks leader Richie McCaw.

“I didn’t have expectations throughout the season,” Braid added. “Last year, I was a bit out in the wilderness but, coming through and being captain of this side, I’m pretty happy with that.”

The Kiwis open their season against Manu Samoa in Apia on Sunday.

Michael Jones’ team started the expanded competition – which also includes Australia A, Japan and Tonga – with an 8-3 win over Fiji in the Samoan capital.