Bunce became a regular feature of the All Black backline, missing only one game (against Japan at the 1995 World Cup) until his last game on 6 December 1997 against England in London. He played for New Zealand in the NZRU's centenary games against a World XV, against the British and Irish Lions in their 1993 tour, in the 1995 Rugby World Cup Final, the first two Tri Nations tournaments and the victorious series win over South Africa in 1996. He captained New Zealand once in a non-test game, and also played for New Zealand at the first Sevens World Cup in 1993. He scored 20 international tries (96 points) for New Zealand, and one try (4 points) for Samoa.