Nonu takes over from Williams
Last time out Sonny Bill Williams provided a hefty dose of inspiration for the Blues; this week it’s the equally experienced Ma’a Nonu who gets that opportunity in the No 12 jersey.
With Williams given this week off as part of his mandatory two-game All Blacks stand-down, allowing him to make a visit to Christchurch to provide personal support to the Muslim community in the wake of the mosque shooting massacre, the Blues had a hole to fill at 12 for tomorrow night’s Super Rugby visit by the Highlanders.
In their previous outing – before last weekend’s bye – Williams had filled in superbly as captain as the Blues snapped a three-game losing skid to open the season with a 28-20 victory over the Sunwolves in Albany.
He spoke afterwards about a desire to keep playing following a stop-start last few seasons hugely affected by injury.
But the devastating events in Christchurch clearly changed that thinking, so it was a no-brainer for head coach Leon MacDonald to bring in the 103-test, dual World Cup-winning Nonu to see if he can provide his own dose of inspiration this week against a dangerous Highlanders outfit who sit six points above the Blues on the standings after two victories, two defeats and last week’s abandoned match declared a draw against the Crusaders.
Nonu’s return to the midfield, alongside TJ Faiane, is one of just three changes to the starting XV made by MacDonald as he looks as much as possible to continue momentum from the first victory of the season.
Jonathan Ruru also returns as starting halfback, with Augustine Pulu dropping back to the bench, while Alex Hodgman comes back from injury to get the start at loosehead prop, as All Black Karl Tu’inukuafe slots back on to the pine. The team will be captained for the first time by openside flanker Blake Gibson after his successful first appearance of the campaign in Albany.
MacDonald has four All Blacks on a power-packed bench, and might even add a fifth if Matt Duffie gets the nod. The 2017 November tourist has been bracketed as outside backs cover with rookie Levi Aumua who has been unwell this week.
Props Ofa Tuungafasi and Tu’inukuafe, lock Patrick Tuipulotu and loose forward Dalton Papalii complete the international contingent on the bench.