'I want to be an All Black again' - Returning All Blacks legend ready for Super Rugby
Ma’a Nonu wants to be an All Black again.
That was the message the two-time World Cup-winner had as he fronted the media for the first time yesterday since returning to New Zealand following a three-season spell with French club Toulon.
With 103 test caps to his name and establishing himself as one of the greatest All Blacks and midfielders of all time, Nonu’s international ambitions comes as a surprise given he has nothing left to prove following a glittering 12-year career with the All Blacks.
However, he remains motivated to make an unlikely return to the test arena after a four-year hiatus, with a series of strong Super Rugby performances the first hurdle he needs to overcome if he is to achieve his goal.
“I think it’s there on everyone’s minds,” he said when asked about his prospective return to the All Blacks.
“For me it’s trying to make the Blues team first, so one step at a time.”
Returning to the Blues for a third stint after appearing for the Auckland-based franchise in 2012 and 2014, Nonu looks set on reigniting his partnership with long-time friend and 51-test star Sonny Bill Williams in the midfield.
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Standing in their way of resuming that partnership, though, are the youthful trio of Tanielu Tele’a, former Chiefs prospect Levi Aumua, and Auckland skipper TJ Faiane.
Regardless of who he plays alongside in the middle of the park, Nonu is intent on proving his worth in Super Rugby.
Prior to his departure for France, Nonu spent a few years playing well below his potential for a number of franchises following his axing from the Hurricanes in 2011.
Both largely unsuccessful spells at the Blues sandwiched a dismal campaign with the Highlanders in 2013, and it wasn’t until he rejoined the Hurricanes in 2015 where he re-discovered his sparkling form at Super Rugby level.
Even then, he could not muster maiden title, coming up short both then and nine years beforehand in 2006.
“Yeah, I haven’t won a Super Rugby title before, have come up short twice, and played in a lot of semifinals for the Hurricanes,” he said.
“It’s another driver this year.”
After time away in the Top 14 and in the European Champions Cup, Nonu described his return to Super Rugby as “surreal”, but was adamant that he isn’t ready to hang the boots up just yet.
“There are a lot of young players playing, and a lot of great players playing, and I’m stoked to be running around,” he said.
“I haven’t thought about stopping. Hopefully, I can still play at this level and that’s the challenge I’m looking forward to.”
Nonu said he felt as though his experience playing in the physically taxing domestic and European competitions will make him a wiser player as he approaches the Blues’ season-opener against the Crusaders at Eden Park in Auckland this Saturday.
“Hopefully I’ve still got the wisdom upstairs and the physicality as well to play Super Rugby because it’s really intense,” he said.
“The Top 14 and Champions Cup is a brutal, brutal competition in Europe, so I’ve learned a few things about playing week-in, week-out.”
Nonu’s exit from Toulon was one that surprised given the murky details surrounding its announcement.
A vague post on his Instagram in May last year detailed that the veteran wanted to step away from the game to “spend time with family” and “assess options for the future”.
He confirmed yesterday that his family played a significant factor in returning to New Zealand and signing with the Blues.
“Family has always been a priority, so coming home it was a big factor. We were always going to come back to New Zealand. We missed it here, we missed family and I wanted to put my kids through school here as well.”
Nonu also attributed former teammate, mentor and new defence coach Tana Umaga in playing an important role in his return to Auckland, as did new head coach and another former teammate Leon MacDonald.
“Leon has brought a high standard into our environment and created that culture where we train to the best, we expect the best from each other and we work for each other,” he said.
Nonu’s physical condition has been widely scrutinised by New Zealand media since checking in for Blues pre-season training in November, with many reports stating that the 36-year-old is in career-best shape.
“I guess it’s what you put in your mouth,” he said of his secret behind staying in prime condition.
“[The body] hasn’t always been in good shape but I’ve learned with experience about my body and my mind.
“I’m still trying to achieve more goals and it’s the lifestyle you live if you want to play professional sport.”
And as for Nonu’s plans to attend a fourth World Cup in Japan later this year?
“All I’m thinking about is lunch right now and this game this week, so I can’t really tell you,” he said.
The Blues will name their side for Saturday’s clash against the Crusaders tomorrow, with Nonu widely expected to start following an impressive pre-season outing against the Hurricanes in Mangatainoka last week.
In other news:
Comments on RugbyPass
A Turtle has more pace and leg drive than Owen Franks, so it’s a good thing he only had to run 90 metres for that try.
2 Go to commentsOh Tamati Tua was in the vastly over-rated Leon MacDonalds Blues system? Well, no wonder he was wasted, much like Emoni Narawa and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens under MacDonald. now look at them. Good thing Tua isn’t eligible, the Aussies latch on to any player who isn’t tied down.
2 Go to commentsMark Telea is a lot of things, but a defensive juggernaut has never been one of them. There will be far bigger tests in that regard for the youngster.
10 Go to commentsLove and respect to Fiji but not a chance outside of 7s
4 Go to commentsGood summation Ned. Agree the Canes were out-muscled for once (except at the scrum!) by a focused Brumbies outfit. Tua deserves consideration for higher honors after the way he humbled Jordie and the Canes defense. Thankfully, his lack of eligibility for Oz keeps him from Joe’s plans. While I also agree the injuries affected the Canes performance, some players seemed to lack focus and intensity for this match. Perhaps after the Blues demolished the Brumbies, they thought it was going to be easy? A good reminder that any slip up in preparation can have a big affect on the result. Brumbies deserved that win.
2 Go to commentsKarl Dixon should never have been appointed this fixture, absolute disgrace, He’s not much of a referee anyway, didn't have the balls to send his mate care off
5 Go to commentsBrilliant article! Harry of 8/9
2 Go to comments‘UK athletes' have been in the NFL from the start.
1 Go to commentsIt’s going to be Scott Barrett. He’s the coaches mate and captain of a previously elite team. Ardie a great option but scooter has worked with the coach and Ardie still as big a leader as needed.
23 Go to commentsI commend Colin Scotts bio All Balls. He was the first Aussie to make it to NFL. But he was poached and did a full apprenticeship at the University of Hawaii. He was 130kgs surfed played 1st grade cricket etc. big guy by normal but not NFL standards and a top athlete. Even then the nfl were picking up Tongans and Samoans for their natural size and explosive power. They want explosive power not cardio from the big boys so a guy like Taniela Tupou would have been good if picked up young enough. He has fast twitch and they’d bulk the little lad up and give him something to do. soccer teams set up academies and look for Over Sara’s talent eg Messi was at Barcelona since a teenager and harry kewell went to Leeds as a teenager like 16 or something.
11 Go to commentsThe article alludes to the fact that this isn’t about picking a captain. But picking a great captain. So who would make for a great All Black captain - not just an obvious or safe shoo-in? I’m not sure Ardie’s the guy and Barret doesn’t stand out either.
23 Go to commentsI guess we may all agree on the fact, that the ABs and Boks are the two in contest for No 1 in rugby history (the triple-A sort of) …. the Wallabies, England and France are the next tier, with Ireland being the new kid in town (AA) …. in my view it makes little sense creating imaginary competitions (unless you have too much time to waste)
45 Go to commentsWhat a joke. Total joke and the pundits commentating, all of whom know a bit about the game, could barely disguise their contempt. Reaching for the card then pulling back when he realised a red card would carry further match suspensions is simply not his decision to make. A clear and obvious influence on the outcome of this match and indeed, the championship path.
5 Go to commentsI like the idea, in NZ the Ranfurly Shield and NPC coexist, both having their own bragging rights. The World Cup would be the pinnacle, but the competition and travels of these trophies would be interesting.
45 Go to commentsDon’t worry Sonny bill Williams leave that awkward situation about the curfew in the pass whoever it was it doesn’t matter its no big deal we back our All Blacks through the storm and the thunder until we see the Sun light again.
42 Go to commentsWho listens to this retard? He was a massive liability as a player but obviously a media sensation
42 Go to commentsI’m not surprised by such ‘virtue signalling’ by Sonny Boy. Butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth. He’s such a pious Islamic muppet, imo.
42 Go to commentsI’ve actually never heard of the guy (then I don’t watch League as it is boring). But if he is good enough.. then good luck to him. If not, well, he can always return to league.
2 Go to commentsIt is pretty clear that by almost any measure that NZ are a more successful rugby nation than South Africa. Quite aside from the distasteful events during the last RWC final. NZ lead SA in all significant measurements.
45 Go to commentsDickson went to his pocket for a card, saw who it was, changed his mind and spoke at length to TMO. One angle clearly shows Care diving over a Saints player to kill the ball. 1st yellow, reason given for not Red was player was falling backwards. He was only falling backwards after contact with Lawes. Graham try should have stood. Mitchell did not have both hands on the ball, ball went forward from a Saints boot dragging over it. 2 intentional knock-on's. One of which had an overlap on the outside. If Quins are happy to win by intentional foul play, then it does not say much for them. Would appear to be a bad day for Karl Dickson, also for the RFU in appointing a Ref who spent 8 years as a player at one of the clubs.
5 Go to comments