Nonu glad to be back in the black and yellow

MA’A Nonu is happy to be back where he belongs – back in a yellow and black jersey.

After a three-year absence from the Hurricanes, and the birth of his third son Maclaren, Nonu savoured his return in the 17-13 win over the Bulls in Pretoria yesterday.

Playing his first game after fracturing his forearm seven months ago, Nonu produced flashes of brilliance with two notable offloads, though his final pass almost led to a matchwinning try to Bulls replacement Grant Hattingh.

‘‘It was positive to get a win,’’ Nonu told Sunday News.

‘‘I was surprised to get more than 60 minutes. I just tried to stay alive in the game. I was pretty rusty, a bit of a headless chicken. Being back at the Canes it was unfamiliar after three years but the boys have welcomed me with open arms.’’

In what is expected to be his final year in New Zealand rugby, and his ninth at the Hurricanes, Nonu is clearly determined to make the most of a second chance under Chris Boyd.

‘‘I can’t explain it. Life works in mysterious ways and I found my way back home. Being back in the colours I was born and bred in is special. I’ve always wanted to be a Hurricane. I’ve enjoyed the last three years but I’m hoping to go all the way with the Canes this year.’’

Nonu has been around long enough not to get carried away, at the Hurricanes’ early form.

‘‘It’s a good feeling and a good start but we haven’t done anything yet. I’ve been playing for a long time. We’ve just got to keep our feet on the ground. It’s not easy coming to Africa and it could have gone either way but we need to focus on Perth now.’’

The All Blacks midfielder was reluctant to be drawn on his widely-touted post-World Cup move to French club Toulon.