Door all but slammed on Ma'a Nonu's international career
When Ma’a Nonu returned to New Zealand at the start of 2019 to play for the Blues, no one expected him to actually make a push for All Blacks selection.
The two time World Cup winner last played for the All Blacks in 2015 and at 37 years of age, a recall would have seemed nigh impossible.
What followed was a remarkable season from the big midfielder, who ended up clocking up a lot more minutes than what would have been initially expected courtesy of multiple injuries to Sonny Bill Williams.
Still, with five incumbent All Blacks midfielders already doing the rounds, in the forms of Ryan Crotty, Jack Goodhue, Anton Lienert-Brown, Ngani Laumape and Williams, it would’ve taken something exceptional from Nonu to find his way back into the national squad.
So it was that the above five were all favoured ahead of Nonu when the first All Blacks team of the year was named. Still, injuries are always expected to play a part in the international season – especially when players like Crotty and Williams have some injury-plagued histories.
Despite being sixth choice, there was still potential for Nonu to earn a remarkable recall and play in a third Rugby World Cup.
The likelihood of that happening has now been squashed, however.
At today’s World Cup squad naming, All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen was quick to say that everyone playing in the Mitre 10 Cup is available for a call-up, as far as the selectors are concerned.
“Every Mitre 10 player will be on notice,” said Hansen.
“The [replacement] players will come from that pool. You’d have to think that anyone that’s been involved in the squad this year would be thinking ‘if there’s an injury, I could be considered.
“But if we have to go deeper than that, then that’s what we’ll do. We’ll be monitoring what’s going on back here.
Nonu is not playing any Mitre 10 Cup rugby this year and was somewhat of a surprising omission from Wellington’s team.
“It’s very hard to judge [someone not playing provincial rugby’s] form,” Hansen said when asked about players who won’t be playing week-in and week-out.
“You require them to be match-fit. They could be coming in at any stage – but more than likely they’re coming in at the top-end of the game. There just won’t be room for people who aren’t match-fit.”
There’s been no explanation for Nonu’s absence from the Mitre 10 Cup – but it appears that his chances of making a shock return for New Zealand have been scuppered by Hansen’s latest comments.
With Ngani Laumape and utility back Braydon Ennor both failing to make the World Cup squad, there’s plenty of depth in the All Blacks midfield should injury strike – we just won’t see the return of one of New Zealand rugby’s favourite sons.
Comments on RugbyPass
Rodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
9 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
1 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
1 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
9 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
8 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
8 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
9 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
9 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
14 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
14 Go to commentsJoe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
8 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
9 Go to commentsBlackadder but no Finau! 😀 It’s Razor so you are probably right, plus Taylor at 2…
14 Go to comments