Why Ma’a is back in blue – at 36!
Nonu back at the Blues
Ma’a Nonu is coming back to the Blues — for the third time, incredibly — and now the questions will be asked about his All Blacks ambitions as a 36-year-old and even another World Cup appearance.
He bowed out on the All Blacks at the 2015 World Cup final against Australia at Twickenham. It was his 103rd test and one of his best. His try straight after halftime was crucial in allowing the All Blacks to get a foothold on the game and the pass was delivered by none other than Sonny Bill Williams, his close friend and a man with whom he will team up in the Blues midfield next year.
The Herald reported in July that this most tortuous of rugby careers could yet take another twist after Nonu’s return to New Zealand from French club Toulon and so it has come to pass; his close relationship with Williams but also Blues coach Tana Umaga no doubt a major factor.
Mystery still surrounds Nonu’s departure from Toulon. He announced in May that he wouldn’t be extending his stay, and cited family reasons for his departure. After leaving the Blues for the Highlanders, returning, and then leaving the franchise for the Hurricanes — always regarded as his spiritual home — he is back once again in Auckland.
Nonu said he was grateful for the opportunity.
“Hopefully next year will be a year to build and to be successful. That is the challenge.
“I know the Blues have had some tough times in the last few seasons but I am excited to play with some of the young and up-and-coming players who will have long careers and rejuvenate this place.
“And I am looking forward to being under the watchful eye of Tana who was a mentor when I was coming through, so I am looking forward to doing my best for him and the franchise.”
Nonu played alongside Umaga at the Hurricanes in 2003 and was next to Williams when the latter made his test debut at Twickenham in 2010.
Any signing is a marriage of convenience but this one is perhaps even more so because of Nonu’s age and the fact the Blues have a unique demand.
Umaga needed an experienced midfielder after George Moala left for his own overseas experience and there is now a reluctance at the franchise to play Rieko Ioane, the best left wing in the world, in the midfield. Umaga often had little choice but to play Ioane there this season as the Blues failed to make the playoffs. But there is little doubt, too, one of the quickest in world rugby was stifled there against rush defences.
The Chiefs were probably the only other New Zealand option for Nonu after the departures of Tim NanaiWilliams and Charlie Ngatai.
Although Nonu’s legs are undoubtedly slower than in his prime, his tactical awareness and ability to break the advantage line won’t have changed much and it goes without saying that his experience could help the younger backs in the squad.
How will the independent Nonu cope with straight-talking and direct new backs coach Leon MacDonald? Watching that dynamic play out will be fascinating as MacDonald and new forwards coach Tom Coventry find their feet.
Can he make the All Blacks again? That depends on his ambition but with Ngani Laumape, Jack Goodhue and Anton Lienert-Brown flourishing in his absence, the older Ryan Crotty a rock-steady presence and Williams a key part of the squad, Nonu has a difficult job ahead.
A World Cup place looks unlikely because of that, but with Nonu it seems you never know.