Watch: Ma'a Nonu returns challenge with haka against All Blacks

In an unlikely development in his storied career, All Blacks great Ma’a Nonu faced the haka on Tuesday night in Durban while suiting up for the Sharks for the first time. He then stepped forward from his new teammates and delivered a stirring haka of his own.

Nonu, a 103-Test All Black and two-time Rugby World Cup-winner with the team, only joined the Durban-based outfit late last month after signing with JP Pietersen’s team as a player-mentor.

The 44-year-old was named on the bench for the club’s exhibition match against New Zealand, receiving the pregame challenge of Ka Mate alongside his new squad before producing a unique and special moment in the history of the game.

Nonu performed Kapa o Pango in an emotional exchange for both the veteran and his countrymen. The moment was quickly uploaded to social media by the All Blacks.

 

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In the comments, ex-All Black Lima Sopaga labelled the haka “one of the greatest moments I’ve ever witnessed as a rugby fan”, with plenty more fans sharing the sentiment of nostalgia and pride.

There was also a special pre-game moment for All Blacks pivot Ruben Love, who led his side’s haka as kaea for the first time.

The match began slowly from a scoreboard perspective, but after a 14-0 scoreline at halftime, the second period featured some sublime attacking play, with six more tries for the visitors and none from the hosts.

Nonu came into the match in the 61st minute, contributing two carries and two tackles during a period in which the All Blacks enjoyed overwhelming attacking momentum.

Speaking with fellow ex-All Black Justin Marshall after the final whistle, Nonu said he was initially expecting not to play in the match.

“I got here last Monday. They just needed help; they needed someone on the bench, so I thought it would’ve been rude to say no. I thought I’d just put the boots on and try to help the team,” Nonu said on the Sky Sport broadcast.

“Luckily, I got 20 minutes. I tried my best. It was great to see the boys, play against them for the first time. It was such a privilege and an honour. And to do the haka as well, to show my respect on behalf of my family, to the boys and to the team I love and I’ll always love.

He then revealed his haka “was a spur-of-the-moment thing.”

“I just had questions about it the night before, and I kind of said no, because I didn’t want it to be about myself, being on the bench and my history with the team. I wanted it to be about the All Blacks and the Sharks and the great rivalry.

“I spoke to Tana (Umaga) and Tamati (Ellison); I asked Tamati for permission out of respect, on behalf of our team, on behalf of myself and my family. I thought it was the right thing to do, to answer the boys and the All Blacks.”

Nonu’s historic longevity in the sport prompted a follow-up question from Marshall about how his body was feeling.

“It’s alright; I think I sat down too long, I should have warmed up a bit more,” Nonu grinned. “The All Blacks opened it up in the last 30 minutes, so I was chasing my tail, but fair credit to them. They’re improving.

“All the best to the brothers for the next game. I can’t wait to see them play.”