Nonu, Smith look for redemption
RARELY do Conrad Smith and Ma’a Nonu get upstaged. They’ve been the lead act of international rugby’s midfield show for some time now.
The record-breaking All Blacks pairing have consistently set the bar in two of the most challenging backline roles.
Cast your mind back to Ellis Park in July this year, though. That test revealed one occasion when Smith and Nonu did not emerge on top.
The old guard – Smith 34, Nonu 33 – confronted two emerging stars in Stormers second five-eighth Damian de Allende, 23, and Bulls centre Jesse Kriel, 21.
For the most part, the exuberant Springboks duo had it their way. De Allende’s strength regularly punched over the advantage line; Kriel showcased his pace with a stunning try, bursting on to a short ball and between Nonu and Smith to leave the veterans staring at each other, asking who should have nailed
‘They probably had the wood on Ma’a and I so we know how dangerous they can be.’ Conrad Smith
him. It was a concerning sight.
Ahead of the World Cup semifinal showdown on Sunday, that memory is not lost on Smith.
‘‘They played particularly well last time we met them over in South Africa,’’ Smith said.
‘‘They probably had the wood on Ma’a and I so we know how dangerous they can be. They’ve carried that form through this World Cup.’’
Indeed. De Allende has been particularly impressive, topping the defenders beaten with 21, eight more than the blockbusting Nonu.
Jean de Villiers’ World Cupending
Veteran All Blacks midfield pair Conrad Smith and Ma’a Nonu want to make amends after a pair of young Springboks put them in their place earlier this year. broken jaw spared Boks coach Heyneke Meyer from a potentially awkward decision.
De Villiers had struggled to recapture the form of old after returning from a horror run of injuries.
Calls for him to be dropped were widespread after the shock loss to Japan and he was shifted to the largely unfamiliar role of centre to accommodate de Allende’s presence.
As harsh as it sounds, the Boks skipper’s absence has probably been a blessing. Certainly it confirmed the ushering in of the new brigade. The de Allende- Kriel combination pose more problems for Smith and Nonu. This time, though, they appear ready.
‘‘They’ve been very impressive so far. Individually they’re great players and they’ve formed a great partnership,’’ Smith said.
‘‘I was gutted for Jean. I’ve probably played more against him than anyone else.
‘‘It was a sad way to see him end with an injury like that but I’m sure he’s still a big influence on the team and no doubt helping the guys that are there.
‘‘They’re two guys we’re very aware of and what they do for their team.
‘‘They’re a couple of major strike weapons so they’ll take a bit of containing. We’ve talked a bit about that already.’’