RU:Free spirited Nonu a safe bet, say Blues

Blues head coach Pat Lam has drawn a comparison with another of New Zealand rugby’s mavericks while denying the acquisition of Ma’a Nonu is a risk after the Hurricanes let the All Blacks midfielder loose.

Nonu on Friday ended speculation about his playing future by confirming a move to the Auckland-based Super Rugby franchise for 2012-13, a transition he will make following a post-World Cup sabbatical in Japan.

It had been feared the 29-year-old’s Japan sojourn could be a permanent career move after a well publicised falling out with Hurricanes head coach Mark Hammett.

However, after various discussions with New Zealand franchises Nonu has recommitted to the New Zealand Rugby Union for two years and opted to head north to the Blues.

Lam welcomes Nonu’s decision and clearly sees him a damaging linebreaker, rather than a divisive influence in the dressing room.

He likens Nonu’s discord with Hammett to Ali Williams’ issues with Lam’s predecessor at the Blues, Australian David Nucifora.

The relationship between the All Blacks lock and Nucifora deteriorated to such an extent during 2007 that Williams transferred to the Crusaders, where he was part of Robbie Deans’ final championship-winning squad the following year.

Lam took over from Nucifora in 2009, Williams returned and aside from a long layoff with Achilles problems he has been a model professional as he strives to make the World Cup squad.

Asked whether Nonu’s reputation gave the Blues pause before putting pen to paper Lam was adamant: “The same was said about Ali Williams that he’s hard to handle.

“Everyone’s different. And the Blues environment is different to the Reds and so forth.

“It all comes back to the knowing your players and respecting them as people. He’ll fit into our environment quite well,” Lam said.

The Blues hierarchy had no hesitation in pursuing the 56-test veteran once Nonu sounded out captain and All Blacks teammate Keven Mealamu.

“Ma’a had a word to Kevvy saying he was interested in coming so I gave him a call and he confirmed that,” Lam said.

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