All Blacks’ inside centre Ma’a Nonu is on the prowl for a new team after being told he doesn’t have a future at the Highlanders.
That news means Nonu has now played with the Hurricanes, Blues and Highlanders – the latter two on successive one-year deals where he wasn’t deemed worthy of an extension.
His continued selection in the best rugby team in the world, the All Blacks (79 times), is testament to his talent but when reflected on his lack of success at Super Rugby level it shows he isn’t committed enough as a week-to-week player or a suitable off-field influence around a team.
It’s possibly fitting that his Super Rugby career may finish with him suspended for two games after a reckless tackle.
Apparently the Hurricanes have been looking at the possibility of bringing the veteran back into the fold after he was pushed out, along with Andrew Hore, in favour of a youth oriented clean-out.
Conrad Smith was the source of the rumour the Hurricanes would be back in the hunt and while it probably counts as an old mate trying to give someone a leg-up many believe the NZRU is trying to manipulate the situation to find a home for a player not wanted by anyone else.
Some fans felt the Hurricanes were getting the Crusaders left overs in Mark Hammett when he took over in 2011, but the clean-out was a refreshing take and he was given time to build from there.
This year wasn’t the improvement many were hoping for after a bright start in last seasom, but it would still a backward step if the Hurricanes were to allow someone like Nonu back into the club.
What’s the point of cleaning out, building new systems and trusting the development of young talent if you’re going to bail after two seasons and return the known mediocrity of previous years?
If the Hurricanes can’t be enticed to take a leaf out of the Australian Labor Party’s book and return to the past, the NZRU will be forced to make a tough decision.
They will essentially need to weigh whether Nonu is someone they need around for the future at All Blacks level. If that’s their view some sort of sabbatical or loan may have to be constructed to allow him time to get a Super Rugby contract down the line.
I don’t think he’s worth it for New Zealand rugby anymore.
Nonu is 31 years old and has already played almost 80 Tests; he has won games for the All Blacks, but hasn’t been as good for a while. He isn’t the kind of player to be constructing precedent-setting deals around.
My preference is what I alluded to earlier in the year – start looking to the next young crop at inside centre. There’s promising talent there.
The Chiefs have been enjoying the service of Bundee Aki’s first full year at Super Rugby level. He has the makings of a great compliment to a more attacking fly-half. He tackles all day, runs great lines and is really starting to build some rugby nous.
Over at the Blues, the original departure of Nonu has allowed for the emergence of Francis Saili. He’s a skilful and creative player who’s been improving on the defensive side of things as the season progresses.
If there are fears either of those two are too green to make a fist of the All Blacks 12 jersey, playing with an Aaron Cruden/Beauden Barrett – Dan Carter midfield combination may be a stop-gap until either specialist player is considered ready.
I don’t have those fears myself, I believe Saili or Ake could step into the All Blacks outfit and find enough support initially to be successful.
It’s time for New Zealand rugby to move on from Nonu and embrace the future.
zhenry
Guest
Nonu is not a problem for Hansen always got on well in AB's, and got on well with previous Hurricans coach. I think Nonu was terribly put out by what happened with Hammett. Wellington is his home town all his roots are well established their. No one has adequately explained what happened with Hammett; it was enough for Weepu and previous AB winger (his name eludes me) to go also to another franchise. Smith's comments were that he strongly favours his return to the Hurricans and he is doing his best for that to happen. The other coaches realise that Nonu wants to return to the Hurricans thats why they are not claiming him.
Jerry
Guest
In the case of Kirwan it was making a verbal commitment to the Blues then throwing his weight round and making the NZRU allow him to go to the Highlanders after Kirwan had allowed other midfielders to go to the draft.
Damien
Roar Guru
LOL. That'll be great for the SR team culture. 'Look guys, I know you're busting your gut out there and its great to see. Try not to think about Ma'a not really caring if we do well coz he's just cooling his heels till the AB season starts." 'Ok ? Sweet.' 'Hey someone get Ma'a a reclining chair for the bench !!, Jeez !! Do I have to think of everything round here ?"
Garth
Guest
Word this side of the Tasman is that the Highlanders did offer him a contract for next season, a couple of months back. Having heard absolutely nothing from either Nonu, or his agent, about the offer since then, they have moved on & Nonu is no longer welcome. Basically he's shot himself in the foot & has no-one else to blame.
Garth
Guest
Yes, a player can play ITM then the AB's without playing Super Rugby though it's rare these days. Another translation could be: "I love playing with him but most of the other guys can't stand him".
Garth
Guest
Hammett tried, as have Kirwan & Joseph. Blackadder & Rennie wisely want nothing to do with the "Nonu Curse". Not sure exactly what he has done, other than thoroughly piss off THREE completely different coaches in as many years.
jeznez
Roar Guru
For Boooooyonne!
s.t.rine
Guest
My heart bleeds for poor NZ & their #12 quandary. Luckily Wallabies don't have such problems.........oh, yeah? S T
jutsie
Guest
i think your right. i meant his dad AND his agent not that his dad is his agent.
Roland Chan
Roar Rookie
Tahs. Now that Carters gone we need a committed team man.
atlas
Guest
I remember that incident - Neemia Tialata, all 120kg+ of him, scared of mum at home with the jandal (thong/flip-flop) - more scary than a yellow or red card! “I knew straight away when I saw the look on my mum’s face that I had done something wrong,” he said. “I hadn’t thought much of it at the time but I could recall that I had my hands around Richie’s throat at one stage. She pulled out the jandal and threatened to hit me that night – so I have learned my lesson.” (DominionPost October 2, 2006) NT's playing again for Bayonne 2013-14
pogo
Guest
Loan him to the Rebels or Force next season.
Nobody
Guest
Well written rae, I agree with pretty much everything you said. Except that I don't really care if Nonu doesn't play superbly for any SR side, as long as he brings it for the ABs. Which he does. Maybe he needs a franchise which accepts that he won't give his all every time but is content to play him intermittently or off the bench? He's still got to be useful come finals time.
pogo
Guest
All NZ players are notionally signed with a club within their province, even if they hardly ever turn out for them. You can't play for a province if you aren't registered with a club within that province.
allblackfan
Guest
jeznez. no. he went home that night and his mother let him have it with both barrels!!. Tialata learned not to do it to mccaw again very quickly that night!!
Tane Mahuta
Guest
The booing of Quade is awesome. It adds a bit of drama. Great stuff. We love to hate that guy and it isnt going to change. Embrace the boo.
Tane Mahuta
Guest
More than handy. Australia, NZ, Wales, Eng and SA are all going to be very good sides in 2015. Most competitive WC yet.
Reuben Budd
Roar Rookie
Nonu only has a couple of years left, S15 he clearly doesn't care about at the moment, however we still need to blood a new no.12 at test level to fill his spot with consistency. we still have 2 seasons to do that before the next WC and I believe that will start at the EOYT this year. Who it will really be remains to be seen, quite possibly SBW but that is just an 'if' at this stage. He still is a fantastic player but you can see the reasoning behind the S15 coaches, they want to build a team to win the title and don't want to be using aging players that are waiting for their AB call ups, especially when that players career is nearly over in NZ. When you retire from the ABs you dont usually see players seeing out their days in S15, they head over seas for their retirement fund. I love watching this guy play but very soon we will see him being subbed off more regularly as we begin the transition of that particular position. Like it or not it won't be long before we are having these conversations about DC and McCaw!!
Mike
Guest
I thought his agent was Octagon? Same people who run Andrew Gaze and Alicia Molik
MightyChiefs
Guest
Just needs a suitable combination. But if his off field influence isn't there and he hasn't the desire to play week to week at the best of his ability then maybe he should just go to France or Italy for a year and see how he likes it. It'll be easier rugby and less pressure. While his value is high too