NSW centre Tom Carter says the Waratahs will need to hunt in packs to round up Hurricanes dangerman Ma’a Nonu in Friday night’s Super 14 “quarter-final” in Sydney.
There’s no room for error for either side, with the winners to advance to – and possibly host – a semi-final and the losers to crash out of the tournament.
Nonu’s irresistible form over the past month has been a prime factor in the Hurricanes’s surge up the ladder and Carter is seeking assistance from teammates to help stop his powerhouse opposite.
“Traditionally, he hits form late in the season and he’s done that again. As you’ve seen, he’s obviously in a pretty destructive place,” Carter said on Wednesday.
“It’s really difficult to defend against him so it’s about minimising what he does.
“Ultimately he’s going to break tackles and he’s going to make line breaks, but it’s (about) just supporting your teammates and I guess minimising (the damage) when those breaks happen.
“It’s a big challenge, so we’ve got a few strategies in place and trying to keep him as quiet as possible is the key.”
Carter admitted the daunting prospect of containing Nonu sometimes keeps him awake “late at night”.
“He’s an outstanding player,” he said.
“But if we can work together as a group – that’s the important thing because, if you defend in isolation, you’ll get punished.
“But if you function together as a backline and defend together, you can certainly nullify him to a certain extent.”
Carter’s midfield partner Rob Horne will also have his hands full, with Conrad Smith on Wednesday named to return at outside centre after missing the Hurricanes’ 44-21 demolition of Queensland in Wellington last Friday with concussion.
“Conrad Smith has been the All Blacks 13 for a long time now, so it’s an enormous challenge for Rob Horne and myself,” Carter said.
“But Horney’s an exceptionally good player and this is why you play football – to measure up against the best.
“Hopefully we can do the job for us.”
Hurricanes halfback Piri Weepu is in doubt for the crunch match after suffering an ankle injury at training on Wednesday.
Weepu limped out of the session to have ice treatment and was to have tests to determine the extent of the injury before the Hurricanes fly to Sydney on Thursday.
“Hopefully it is just bruising,” coach Colin Cooper told NZPA.
“If it’s bruising, he’ll be fine. We’ve got a pretty good medical group.”
But Cooper wasn’t prepared to risk 35-Test All Black Weepu if he was struggling and had no qualms about reinstating Tyson Keats to the No.9 jersey after a strong season.
Apart from Smith’s return, loosehead prop John Schwalger has replaced Jacob Ellison, who drops to the bench.
Hurricanes: Cory Jane, Tamati Ellison, Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Hosea Gear, Aaron Cruden, Piri Weepu/Tyson Keats, Rodney So’oialo, Karl Lowe, Michael Paterson, Jeremy Thrush, Bryn Evans, Neemia Tialata, Andrew Hore (capt), John Schwalger. Reserves: Dane Coles, Jacob Ellison, Nick Crosswell, Scott Waldrom, Tyson Keats (TBC), Jason Kawau/Willie Ripia, David Smith.
Chester
Guest
Brucy B Tom Carter is statistically one of the best defenders in the S14 ( lots of tackles made with very low missed percentage). That statement is rubbish
Sam Taulelei
Guest
Hammer I think it is more to do with the improvement in the driving forward play and scrummaging by the Canes forwards that is laying the platform for Cruden and company. I read during the week that the players are now consciously raising their hands after they make a tackle to make it clear to the referee they've released and rolling away to cut down on the number of penalties conceded at the breakdown. The Tahs have been very good all season in creating multiple phases so the Canes will have to be disciplined about when to attack the ball to win a turnover as the Tahs don't give a lot away and to trust their defence which has been hit and miss at times. The Canes have momentum and confidence, the Tahs are also confident after their big win last week and have homeground advantage. Sydney hasn't been a happy ground for the Canes in the past but now is not the time for them to play within themselves and play conservatively which is the mistake they've made in semifinals and their last final appearance in 2006. They play a certain way that can exhilarate and exasperate fans and supporters but it works for them, they have the players to cut teams apart so I hope they back themselves and continue to attack with the ball in hand. If they get sucked into a territory kicking game it will play right into the Tahs hands who have a better kicker in Berrick Barnes. I want the Canes to play well and in the same crazy helter skelter style they're infamous for, if that's good enough to get the win that's even better.
Winston
Guest
Shame they didn't start Cruden all season
Jameswm
Guest
tom Carter is not scared sh!tless of anyone. He has his limitations, but a lack of courage is not one of them.
Kuri
Roar Rookie
Yes they should have asked your children's schedule first Bennalong.
Jerry
Guest
They've had big comebacks in the Chiefs, Crusaders and Reds matches. If they're confidence driven, they must be pretty secure in their confidence.
Brucy B
Guest
I think Nonu has got to much pace for carter , also caterdoes not defend well laterally. I have a feeling the Canes are going to teach the tahs a lesson.
Boerewors_boy
Guest
Tommy is gutsy, love his work getting under the skin. But man, Ma'a is one strong muvva. Body on the line time, and best of luck. Go the Tahs!!!
hammer
Guest
Think the article is missing the main ingredient - Nonu has come good (as have the Hurricanes) since Cruden was nailed in at 1st 5 .... he's the one igniting up the backline - with the timing of his passes and keeping the defence in 2 minds with his running - and Smith has profited by having someone to follow and collect the pop passes .... Cruden's the key to the Hurricanes
bennalong
Guest
I have no worries about the Tahs defence tomorrow night The SFS is worth 8 points, though I wish Sydney crowds were louder in their support. I believe they'll go on from last week and rack up an advantage of say 12 by half time. The Canes will come back at them in the second half. but I think we'll survive where Qld unfortunately couldn't On the other hand if the 'Canes get an early sniff we're in for a hard night............ they're confidence driven. IThe ref will play a pivotal role is my guess
bennalong
Guest
Pity its Friday night. One kid at debating. Another at a school play. Should always have been a Saturday
steve
Guest
do you think the sfs is going to be close to a sell out?
Sylvester
Guest
Nonu attracts all the defenders, allowing Conrad Smith, who always runs great lines, to glide through the gaps and unleash the outside players. Best to back yourself on Nonu and keep more of an eye on Smith, I say.
Winston
Guest
he doesn't have to to be effective though.
Aaron
Guest
Horne is the best defender I've seen in the Aussie backline for a very long time so no worries there. Its not just his speed but his timing that is exciting to watch in defense. He lets them get on the outside then shuts them down and Conrad is never going to beat Horne on the outside. Carter will be ok, have faith.
Winston
Guest
I'm actually thinking maybe its the opposite. There's been so many times when the Tahs have talked themselves up only to fold. This time they seem to be talking up the canes, Thier coach was doing it in another article. Maybe they have real confidence now. They are at home gainst a infamously incossisteant team. The canes can be so hot and cold as seen in thier game against the reds. Nonu is hard to stop is hard to stop. I'd be more worried about Conrad Smith though. He holds that backline together.
Brett McKay
Guest
Nic, I had the same thought. Pretty daunting task, admittedly...
Nicol'arse
Guest
Is it just me... or do other Roarers get the feeling Tom Carter is scared sh**less at the prospect of having to mark Nonu. To be fair, I'm glad its not my job either... but then again I'm not a pro Rugby player either. It sounds a bit ominous to me....
Winston
Guest
Its refreshing to see the tahs talking up thier opposiition insead of themselves like they usually do.