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One of the interesting subplots in 2015 was always going to be the contest between Ma’a Nonu and Sonny Bill Williams for the All Black number 12 jersey.
The two will hopefully go head to head this weekend when Nonu’s Hurricanes take on Williams’ Chiefs and it will surely be the headline individual battle in a game between two of the form sides of the competition.
Judging on form this season as well as previous performances in Test match rugby, if I was Steve Hansen I would have Nonu well and truly fixed in as my number 12 heading into the World Cup.
Nonu is an interesting character, a player who cops his fair share of criticism from the public, in large part due to his Super Rugby form, or lack of it, in recent seasons. As a result of this, he is probably a player who doesn’t command quite the level of respect that would normally be commensurate with what he has achieved during his career, one in which he has arguably established himself as one of All Black rugbys greatest number 12’s.
He may have had a few seasons of largely nondescript Super Rugby form, but what is indisputable is his class and ability when it comes to international rugby. In fact, since 2008 Nonu would have to have been one of the most consistent and valuable players in Test match rugby. Time and time again he has delivered in the black jersey and certainly during that period of time you would struggle to find a better 12 in the international game.
What has been pleasing this year is that Nonu is playing with the hunger and class in Super Rugby that he used to play with and that he shows so consistently on the international stage.
He is in great form and obviously reinvigorated by his move back to the Hurricanes and no doubt motivated to hold onto his beloved All Black jersey in this his final year of international rugby.
I am not saying that the battle is over for the All Black number 12 jersey but I do feel that for Williams to usurp Nonu he is going to have to really step it up over the coming months and deliver some truly special performances. Williams himself has been playing well this year without setting the house on fire.
He is however a top class athlete and one that thrives on the big stage and undoubtedly offers something unique to the sides he is playing in, he will want to make a statement this weekend.
I just feel that in big games he can be exposed a little, in that he probably doesn’t quite have the array of skills and understanding of the game that a player like Nonu does.
In a World Cup knock out match midfield defences are going to make their tackles, tactics would be refined to counter the off load, and facing an umbrella defence rushing up, would Williams have the ability and nous to dink a little kick in behind or throw a lobbed miss pass to find his winger?
I am not so sure?
There is no doubt that his offload is unparalleled in the game but an offload is not always the right decision. At times I am still not convinced that Williams has the inbuilt rugby knowledge that would ordinarily be moulded and honed by years of playing in the same position, to make the correct decision.
He is a huge man and at times it would be nice to see him forget about the offload and just go forward, as he is a player who has the ability to get his side over the advantage line every time he gets his hands on the ball.
It will be an interesting battle this weekend and one that is sure to continue throughout the year but for now, I would have the 94-Test veteran Nonu well out in front in the race for that coveted starting spot.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.