There is no room for veteran flanker Daniel Braid in a raw-looking Blues Super Rugby squad for 2013 unveiled by coach John Kirwan.
Half of Kirwan’s 32-man squad are new to the franchise as he seeks to turn around this year’s forgettable 12th-place finish under predecessor Pat Lam.
The departure of two All Blacks veterans – prop Tony Woodcock and inside centre Ma’a Nonu – stripped the three-time champions of experience and Kirwan’s omission of Braid gives them an even greener appearance.
Six-Test All Black Braid, 31, has played 80 Super Rugby games over seven seasons for the Blues and two for the Reds. After captaining Auckland to the final in his 100th NPC match last weekend, he is now expected to seek a contract overseas.
Another Kirwan surprise earlier this month was the delisting of five-eighth Gareth Anscombe, who was snapped up by the 2012 champion Chiefs.
Chris Noakes, Baden Kerr and All Blacks halfback Piri Weepu are the options at No.10 in a backline that features seven players who have never played at Super Rugby level.
They are wingers Marty McKenzie (Southland), Waisake Naholo (Taranaki) and Frank Halai (Counties Manukau), centre Malakai Fekitoa (Auckland), Kerr and halfbacks Jamison Gibson-Park (Taranaki) and Bryn Hall (North Harbour).
New faces in the loose forward mix are Canterbury’s Brendon O’Connor and Taranaki’s Kane Barrett while Counties Manukau lock Ronald Raaymakers is also promoted.
Long-serving hooker Tom McCartney is listed among the five props named, including newcomers Ofa Tu’ungafasi and Tim Perry.
Quentin MacDonald (Tasman) and James Parson (North Harbour) are hooking cover for Keven Mealamu, who is one of just four current All Blacks in the squad.
Kirwan said on Wednesday he relished the challenge of bringing the squad together.
“We have several young and exciting players joining our mix. Pairing them up with our senior players and those who have a few Super Rugby campaigns under their belt, makes for an exciting combination,” he said.
Squad:Backs: Charles Piutau, Marty McKenzie, George Moala, Waisake Naholo, Frank Halai, Rene Ranger, Malakai Fekitoa, Jackson Willison, Francis Saili, Chris Noakes, Baden Kerr, Piri Weepu, Jamison Gibson-Park, Bryn Hall
Forwards: Peter Saili, Luke Braid, Brendon O’Connor, Kane Barrett, Steven Luatua, Ronald Raaymakers, Ali Williams, Liaki Moli, Anthony Boric, Culum Retallick, Charlie Faumuina, Angus Ta’avao, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Tim Perry, Tom McCartney, Keven Mealamu, Quentin MacDonald, James Parsons
yahyah
Guest
Blues will not have the 9 - 10 combo that the Canes had. No one does. Canes 2013!
kiwiinperth
Guest
I will have to do some authenticating on this comment (use bro in law as he is an AK supporter) but as the largest player base how much of an indictment is it when it appears a lot of the team is from outside the local franchise.
RebelRanger
Guest
I don't think Halai has the ability to morph in to a mulit skilled big wing Hosea Gear/ Julian Savea. Hopefully he proves me wrong. Yeah they were both big let downs, especailly Stowers.
rl
Guest
A champion player, a great team man, and a terrific influence on younger players. I'd gladly see him back in Red.
Pillock
Roar Rookie
They might as well try something different as they have been going nowhere for a few years now. They are a bit like the Tahs, notionally should be th strongest side in NZ but continue to disappoint.
Pogo
Guest
Halai played pretty well for the sevens team in years past, so he could come up with the goods. In saying that Stowers and O'Donnell were largely disappointing in that regard.
RebelRanger
Guest
Frank Halai? that guy is BFN. We've got genuine spark in Saili/ Piutau and occasional brilliance from Ranger but nothing to match what Wellington was offering in the attacking department. How said is it I support the Rebels and the Blues and both are giving me reason to write off next year.
Pogo
Guest
No.10 is a worry. I would put Noakes and Baden Kerr in the solid but not spectacular category. Although perhaps that's what the Blues need to steady the ship. Alternatively McKenzie could be used at 1st5, especially given Piutau's form at fullback.
Argyle
Roar Guru
Whilst Gill and Robinson appear to the front runners for the 7 spot I just think Dan Braid would be an ace up your sleeve in a long super season and to play in the last 25-30. Such a good rugby brain and tough as last weeks roast!
WQ
Guest
Here Here Uncle
dcnz
Guest
JK is going for the Mark Hammett style clean out. lets see if he can replicate the Hurricanes success last year - where they scored the most and best tries in the comp. OK I am a Canes man....
Riccardo
Guest
According to reports back here the kid's got game.
atlas
Guest
one more stat for this squad "24 players in the squad aged 25 or younger" and some very young. Taranaki's Jamison Gibson-Park missed the U-20 side but is off to UK touring with NZ Maori, another halfback to keep pressure on Smith, TJ Perenara and co next year.
james
Guest
haha I agree Pogo. 10 looks to be a real problem in the squad & Im unsure what Anscombe has done wrong to get the boot for Noakes/Kerr
Pogo
Guest
Me a couple of months ago: We've pinched a 1st5 from the highlanders? Slade or Sopoaga? Noakes! WTF!
jnr
Guest
wat a shame the boy can play
Argyle
Roar Guru
Come back to QLD for a season.
Gary Russell-Sharam
Guest
I would have given Braid one more year to mentor the young blokes that Kirwan has in the side. However time waits for no man and I'm sure Braid will get a further 2 years of good rugby overseas to assist with his retirement fund.