The whiteboard session that proved Ma'a Nonu as an All Blacks great
As one of the best players ever to play rugby, everyone knows about the greatness of former All Blacks midfielder Ma’a Nonu on the field.
Few, however, know the impact he made off the park, but New Zealand broadcaster Sky Sport has revealed a story that highlights just how influential Nonu was as an All Black.
Speaking on The Breakdown as part of Sky Sport‘s ongoing quest, with the help of the Kiwi public, to uncover the Greatest All Blacks XV of all-time, commentator Ken Laban shared an anecdote he heard from ex-All Blacks coach Wayne Smith to help state his case for Nonu as New Zealand’s best-ever No 12.
Laban said that during Smith’s time on the All Blacks coaching staff, he would hold whiteboard meetings prior to All Blacks training sessions to help detail what the team would work on during their practice run.
However, according to Laban, there was a period where Smith felt disrespected by Nonu’s lack of concentration during some of the whiteboard sessions.
Concerned by Nonu’s level of engagement, Smith called on the 103-test veteran to come to the front of the room during one whiteboard meeting and asked him what he would do differently to what Smith outlined.
Laban said that Smith was left in awe by Nonu’s response and the impact it had on his All Blacks teammates.
“Wayne Smith shared a lovely Ma’a Nonu story with me a few years ago,” Laban told long-serving Sky Sports commentator Grant Nisbett.
“When the All Blacks would prepare for their training sessions, he would do a whiteboard session to outline what they were going to do, then the boys would have an understanding of exactly what it was that they would then go out and do.
“Smithy was telling me there was this period in the All Blacks where he didn’t feel that Ma’a was engaging in any way with the process.
“‘He would sit there, looking out the window, not really concentrating, and every time I’d ask him a question, he would just [say], ‘Yeah, whatever bro, sweet’.’
“Smithy was telling me, ‘I put a lot of time into these sessions, and I was starting to get a little bit conscious that my work, my integrity was being disrespected by Ma’a.
It’s not quite everything fans will have hoped for… But it’s not far off. #SuperRugbyhttps://t.co/LfUvgPbJFX
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) August 24, 2021
“‘One of the meetings, I said, ‘Ma’a, why don’t you come to the front and tell us what you think we should do’, after I’d already explained.
“‘So, Ma’a comes from the back of the room to the whiteboard, gets the duster, rubs off this, this this, this and this, add this, this, this, and he’d improved the skills we were going to do that day by 100 per cent’.
“‘He said that he’d always felt that way, but out of respect for me, he never said anything. The other thing I noticed was that when Ma’a spoke, everybody in the room listened.’
“He [Smith] said, ‘Everything that you’d read about him statistically, the least-tackled second five of all-time, the hardest player to mark, the most dominant player in that position’, so, yeah, 100 per cent, Ma’a Nonu, No 12.”
Laban was one of four experts on The Breakdown‘s panel called on to debate which players deserved to be included in New Zealand’s Greatest XV, with the others being Nisbett, veteran NZME journalist Phil Gifford and Sky Sports commentator Rikki Swannell.
Gifford and Swannell agreed with Laban in his verdict that Nonu is the best-ever No 12 to have played for the All Blacks as they opted for the two-time World Cup-winner over the likes of Bill Osborne, Walter Little and Warwick Taylor.
“I am pretty set that Ma’a Nonu is my second five. I think he showed enormous resilience. I think as he grew as a person, he grew as a player,” Swannell said.
She added that Nonu’s value has been emphasised since his retirement from international rugby as the All Blacks have battled to find a long-term replacement in recent years.
“Since Ma’a Nonu has no longer been an All Black, we haven’t found that natural successor. There’s been some very good players, and there are some going around at the moment – [Jack] Goodhue, [Anton] Lienert-Brown, [Ryan Crotty], Sonny Bill Williams – but nobody has cemented that spot quite like Ma’a Nonu did.”
Gifford echoed the sentiments of Laban and Swannell as he said that, while he particularly enjoyed Little as an All Black between 1990 and 1998, he couldn’t overlook the exploits and longevity of Nonu.
Three senior All Blacks are expected to miss the flight from New Zealand to Perth on Thursday ahead of next week’s third Bledisloe Cup clash at Optus Stadium. #AllBlacks #BledisloeCup #RugbyChampionship https://t.co/c27F9tR9j7
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) August 24, 2021
“I agree entirely. The panel’s as one on this, I think. The one thing I’d say about Ma’a Nonu is I can’t think of a single All Black whose career path, to me, has got better and better and better and better,” Gifford told The Breakdown.
“By the time he hit the 2015 Rugby World Cup, to me, he patently was an all-time great with whatever team he was playing for. The best All Blacks second five I’ve ever seen.
“Somebody may come along that’s as good as him, but it’s hard for me to picture someone being better than him.”
The panel deliberated over who should partner Nonu in the midfield of New Zealand’s Greatest XV, with the candidates being Bruce Robertson, Joe Stanley, Tana Umaga and Conrad Smith.
Despite Smith being Nonu’s long-term midfield partner throughout their careers with the All Blacks, Hurricanes and Wellington, none of the panel selected the former 94-test star as their pick at centre.
Instead, Laban and Gifford both backed Robertson, the 34-test All Black who played for New Zealand between 1972 and 1981.
Gifford said that while there were some serious contenders to fill the No 13 jersey, Robertson punched above his weight during his time in the All Blacks.
“In 1972, the Auckland Star sent me out to cover a game at Counties. I don’t remember who they were playing against, and there was this kid with the skinniest legs I’ve ever seen on a rugby player playing in the 13 jersey for Counties called Bruce Robertson,” Gifford told The Breakdown.
“I just sat on the press bench almost with my jaw gaping. That’s how brilliant this kid was.
“He was a kid from Hastings, he was at teachers’ college at the time, Bruce Robertson, and Barry Bracewell, the Counties selector, had seen him playing fullback for the Ardmore team, plucked him out of the side, put him into the Counties team in 1971.
Aaron Smith and Dan Carter have been named as the greatest All Blacks halfback and first-five of all-time by a panel of rugby experts and the Kiwi public. #AllBlacks https://t.co/Pg802Zp165
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) August 24, 2021
“The next year, Bruce Robertson was an All Black, still only about 20 or 21, and went onto greatness.
“I’ve never seen a centre – and Joe Stanley would be close to it, Buncey [Frank Bunce] had other skills but possibly not this one quite as much, Conrad Smith had these skills – but Bruce Robertson putting a winger into space was just a thing of absolute beauty.
“He was also a damn good defender for a guy that was never a big, husky guy, and he also was so stunningly quick that if a winger wasn’t in a position and Bruce Robertson decided to run, there was a damn good chance he’d score the try himself.”
Laban added: “My selection is Bruce Robertson as well. I remember him in the 70s. A player way ahead of his time.
“Tall, unbelievably skilful, his timing, his angled runs, his ability to cut in and then out, he’d run those lovely short balls off Bill Osborne, get in behind, draw and pass on the fullback, put the wing away, almost like clockwork.
“He was a beautiful player to watch. He was an elegant runner of the ball, a tremendous defender, as Phil has alluded to. Bruce Robertson would have played 120 tests in the modern era.”
Swannell, meanwhile, opted for Umaga, who she credited as an icon for her generation of New Zealanders for becoming the first Pasifika captain of the All Blacks.
Fans can vote for who they believe should be selected in the second row for the Greatest All Blacks XV via Facebook using the links below.
Second-Fives
Bill Osborne (16 tests from 1975-1982)
Walter Little (50 tests from 1990-1998)
Warwick Taylor (24 tests from 1983-1988)
Ma’a Nonu (103 tests from 2003-2015)
Vote here.
Centres
Bruce Robertson (34 tests from 1972-1981)
Joe Stanley (49 tests from 1986-1991)
Tana Umaga (74 tests from 1997-2005)
Conrad Smith (94 tests from 2004-2015)
Vote here.
All Blacks Greatest XV
1. Tony Woodcock (118 tests from 2002-2015)
2. Sean Fitzpatrick (92 tests from 1986-1997)
3. Ken Gray (24 tests from 1963-1969)
4. Brodie Retallick (84 tests from 2012-present)
5. Colin Meads (55 tests from 1957-1971)
6. Michael Jones (56 tests from 1986-1998)
7. Richie McCaw (148 tests from 2001-2015)
8. Zinzan Brooke (58 tests from 1987 to 1997)
9. Aaron Smith (101 tests from 2012-present)
10. Dan Carter (112 tests from 2003-2015)
11. N/A
12. N/A
13. N/A
14. N/A
15. N/A
Reserves:
16. N/A
17. N/A
18. N/A
19. N/A
20. N/A
21. N/A
22. N/A
23. N/A
Coach: N/A
Comments on RugbyPass
Very unlikely the Bulls will beat Leinster in Dublin. It would be different in Pretoria.
1 Go to commentsI think it is a dangerous path to go down to ban a player for the same period that a player they injured takes to recover. Players would be afraid to tackle anyone. I once tackled my best friend at school in a practice match and sprained his ankle. I paid for it by having to play fly-half instead of full-back for the rest of that season’s fixtures.
5 Go to commentsJust such a genuine good bloke…and probably the best all round player in his generation. Good guys do come first sometimes and he handled the W.Cup loss with great attitude.
2 Go to commentsWord in France is that he’s on the radar of a few Top14 clubs.
2 Go to commentsGet blocking Travis, this guy has styles and he’s gonna make a swift impact…!
1 Go to commentsWhat remorse? She claimed that her dangerous tackle wasn’t worthy of a red! She should be compensating the injured player for loss of earnings at the minimum. Her ban should include the recovery time of the injured player as well as the paltry 3 match ban.
5 Go to commentsArdie is a legend. Finished and klaar. Two things: “Yeah, yeah, I have had a few conversations with Razor just around feedback on my game and what I am doing well, what I need to improve on or work-ons. It’s kind of been minimal, mate, but it’s all that I need over here in terms of how to be better, how to get better and what I am doing well.” I hope he’s downplaying it - and that it’s not that “minimal”. The amount of communication and behind the scenes preparation the Bok coaches put into players - Rassie and co would be all over Ardie and being clear on what is expected of him. This stands out for me as something teams should really be looking at in terms of the boks success from a coaching point of view. And was surprised by the comment - “minimal”. In terms of the “debate” around Ireland and South Africa. Nice one Ardie. Indeed. There’s no debate.
2 Go to commentsThere’s a bit of depth there but realistically Australian players have a long way to go to now catch up. The game is moving on fast and Australia are falling behind. Australian sides still don’t priories the breakdown like they should, it’s a non-negotiable if you want to compete on the international stage. That goes for forwards and backs. The Australian team could have a back row that could make a difference but the problem is they don’t have a tight five that can do the business. Tupou is limited in defence, overweight and unfit and the locks are a long way from international standard. Frost is soft and Salakai-Loto is too small so that means they need a Valentini at 8 who has to do the hard graft so limits the effectiveness of the backrow. Schmidt really needs to get a hard working, tough tight 5 if he wants to get this team firing.
3 Go to commentsSorry Morgan you must have been the “go to for a quote” ex player this week. Its rnd 6 and there is plenty of time to cement a starting 15 and finishing 8 so I have no such concerns.
2 Go to commentsGreat read. I wish you had done this article on the ROAR.
2 Go to commentsThe current AB coaching team is basically the Crusaders so it smacks of wanting their familiar leaders around. This is not a good look for the future of the ABs or the younger players in Super working their way up the player ladder. Razor is touted as innovative, forward looking but his early moves look like insecurity and insular, provincial thinking. He is the AB's coach not the Golden Oldies.
10 Go to commentsSimple reason for wanting him back. Robertson wants him as captain. Otherwise he wouldn’t be bothering chasing him. Not enough reason to come back just to mentor.
10 Go to commentsI had not considered this topic like this at all, brilliant read. I had been looking at his record at the Waratahs and thought it odd the Crusaders appointed him, then couple that with all that experience and talent departing and boom. They’ve got some great talent developing though, and in all honesty I don’t think anyone would be over confident taking them on in a playoff match, no matter how poor the first half of their season was. I think they can pull a game out of their ass when it counts.
2 Go to commentsNot a bad list but not Porecki and not Donaldson. Not because they are Tahs, or Ex Tahs, they are just not good enough. Edmed should be ahead. Far more potential. Wilson should be 8 and Valentini 6. Wilson needs to be told by his father and his coach, stop bloody running in to brick wall defence. You’re not playing under the genius Thorn any more. He’s a fantastic angle runner. The young new 8 from the Brumbies looks really good too. The Lonegrans are just too small for international rugby as is Paisami, as is Hamish Stewart at 12. Both great at Super Rugby level. Stewart could have been a great 10 if not for Brad Thorn. Uru should be there and so should Tupou. Tupou just needs good Australian coaching which he hasn’t been getting. I don’t think Schmidt will excite him.
3 Go to commentsIf he wants to come back then he should. He will be a major asset to the younger locks and could easily be played as an impact player off the bench coming on in the last 30. He is fit, strong and capable and has all the experience to make up for any loss in physical prowess. He could also be brought back with a view to coaching within the structures one day. Duane Vermeulen played until he was 37 or 38. He is now a roaming coach within the South African coaching structures. He was valuable in the last world cup and has been a major influence on Jasper Wiese and other young players which has helped and accelerated their development and growth. Whitelock could do the exact same thing for NZ
10 Go to commentsBrett Excellent words… finally someone (other than DC) has noted that Hanigan is very hard and very good at doing what Backrow should do… his performance via the Drua sauna was quite daunting for those on the other side… very high tackle count… carries with good end result… constant threat to make a good 20-25 meters with those long legs… providing his mass effectively to crunching the Drua pack… Finally he is returning to quality form… way to much injury time over the last 2 years… smart-strong-competent in his skills… caught every lineout throw aimed at him and delivered clean pass to whoever was down below… and he worked hard for the whole 80 minutes… Ned has to be in the top 5 for backrow honors… He knows what is required as he has been there before…
20 Go to commentsI think Sam Whitelock should not touch a return with a bargepole. He went out on a high, playing in the RWC Final. He would be coming back into a team that will be weaker than last years, and might even be struggling to win games, especially against the Boks. Stay in France, enjoy another year with Pau, playing alongside his brother.
10 Go to commentsRyan Coxon has been very impressive considering he was signed by WF as injury cover whilst Uru has been a standout for QR, surprised neither of those mentioned
3 Go to commentsIt’s the massive value he brings with regard team culture/values, preparation, etc. Can’t buy that. I’m hoping to see the young locks get their chance in the big games though.
10 Go to commentsAll good, Gregor, except that you neglected to mention Sam Darry amongst that talented pool of locks. In fact, given Hannah’s inexperience and the fact that Holland won’t be eligible until next year, Lord and Darry might be the frontrunners this year, to join Barrett, Tuipoluto, Va’ii and possibly Whitelock. In fact there might be room for all of them if Barrett played 6 (like Ollie Chessum).
10 Go to comments