Yeah, obviously who knows if he will be fit enough and physical enough by September, but I wouldn't bet against him.
He is younger than Federer, and both he and Nonu are proving that while class is permanent. Even if Nonu isn't as quick as he once was, he's still unbelievably powerful, still knows the lines to run, has a great pass and can kick, and he is fast enough to play 12 too.
Personally, I'm quite excited by the thought of seeing him run at 12, with Goodhue outside him, and with Crotty covering 12 and 13 from the 22 jersey...
I think like some coaches they end up not being assistants. Nonus a starter even though his impact off the bench would be telling. His starting means it puts thoughts into the minds of the opposition when planning. He's shone on the biggest stage, twice so his big match build up and temperament would be crucial to the ABs...even if he went off early.
A Nonu off the bench doesnt have the same psychological impact that he brings for himself, his team nor the opposition
Hopefully not a bolter for the starting 15 but lets face it he's playing well enough to be in the squad for the ABs (and any other squad). The only thing against him is his age but if he is fit at the start then who knows........
After three years in the wilderness and no AB tests and 36 Id say hed qualify as a bolter. I think he left always knowing hed be back for 2019 such was his leaving form. Id say hes at 50% for those reasons, both ways.
Having Hansen still there and possibly getting frustrated at revolving centre positions he could give Nonu the nod but hed have to prove he can keep this form right through till September.
Hansen probably knows he only needs to extract about 150- 180 minutes out of an in form Nonu in the knockouts to be worth it all.
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
Yeah, obviously who knows if he will be fit enough and physical enough by September, but I wouldn't bet against him. He is younger than Federer, and both he and Nonu are proving that while class is permanent. Even if Nonu isn't as quick as he once was, he's still unbelievably powerful, still knows the lines to run, has a great pass and can kick, and he is fast enough to play 12 too.
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
Personally, I'm quite excited by the thought of seeing him run at 12, with Goodhue outside him, and with Crotty covering 12 and 13 from the 22 jersey...
taylorman
Roar Guru
I think like some coaches they end up not being assistants. Nonus a starter even though his impact off the bench would be telling. His starting means it puts thoughts into the minds of the opposition when planning. He's shone on the biggest stage, twice so his big match build up and temperament would be crucial to the ABs...even if he went off early. A Nonu off the bench doesnt have the same psychological impact that he brings for himself, his team nor the opposition
ScottD
Roar Guru
Hopefully not a bolter for the starting 15 but lets face it he's playing well enough to be in the squad for the ABs (and any other squad). The only thing against him is his age but if he is fit at the start then who knows........
taylorman
Roar Guru
After three years in the wilderness and no AB tests and 36 Id say hed qualify as a bolter. I think he left always knowing hed be back for 2019 such was his leaving form. Id say hes at 50% for those reasons, both ways. Having Hansen still there and possibly getting frustrated at revolving centre positions he could give Nonu the nod but hed have to prove he can keep this form right through till September. Hansen probably knows he only needs to extract about 150- 180 minutes out of an in form Nonu in the knockouts to be worth it all.
KiwiHaydn
Roar Rookie
If a 103 test Centre and 2015 World Player of the Year (IMHO) could be called a bolter.
CUW
Roar Rookie
Nope - he is not a bolter . he will be in the 32 Bolter is Robinson :)
Julz
Guest
Definitely. But I don't think he'll be the first to be called in for ABs. Definitely an s.o.s call if one of the other centers get injured.
Machpants
Roar Guru
No. But nice to have waiting in the wings for a Beaver like recall!