WALLABIES openside breakaway George Smith has lauded Queensland's signing of former All Blacks No.7 Daniel Braid, declaring it could only benefit Australian rugby.
New Zealander Braid yesterday became the first overseas-born marquee player signed under the ARU's new foreign player policy, which allows the four provinces to sign an international ineligible for Australian selection. Braid, the New Zealand player of the year in 2007, won four Test caps between 2002 and 2008 as back-up to All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw. He will replace retired Reds openside stalwart David Croft.
"He [Braid] can only benefit Australian rugby," Smith said yesterday. "He's played for the All Blacks and at Super 14 level very regularly for the past few years, and his experience will definitely be valuable for the Queensland Reds.
"It was a surprise to me, but it's great to hear. He'll be able to pass his intellectual property to the Reds players."
Smith's Wallabies and Brumbies forward colleague Mark Chisholm said he had mixed emotions about Braid signing for Queensland.
"I'd like to see the young Australians get a chance at proving themselves at Super 14," Chisholm said. "I'm sure the Kiwi style of rugby would help the Reds out a fair bit but, in saying that, I'd also like to see the young blokes coming through club rugby get a chance."
Reds coach Phil Mooney rejected the suggestion Braid's signing would in any way stunt the development of a youngster such as the promising Tasi Luafutu.
"The reality is there was no one of a front-line Super 14 standard," Mooney said. "I see some real benefits in that Daniel can pass on his knowledge to young guys in our squad and academy.
Meanwhile, Western Force coach John Mitchell insisted it was "business as usual" in Perth despite continual speculation of a player-coach rift.
Reports over the past month have suggested star players, including captain Nathan Sharpe and vice-captain Matt Giteau, were at odds with the coach.
"I think there's always player-coach conflict in any group, it's just how you manage that conflict within," Mitchell said.
AFP
