While Ma’a Nonu may have his Rocky Horror Picture Show about him, on the rugby field, he has progressively over the length of his flourishing career, added the beauty to his beast, which has seen the man make the # 12, Second Five-Eight, Inside Centre position, his own, in this All Black world!
However, this was not always the case!
Nonu first came on the radar when, as a young boy-to-man, he would oppose Tana “uh-ah” Umaga in a club match, where it is said, he regularly used Umaga as the Tarmac take-off with one attacking raid after another, with such an event, leaving its mark on the man, Tana… Indeed, a new beast had arrived!
This was duly recognised at the ultimate level for any Union player, with Ma’a, making his Test Debut for the All Blacks versus the English, in Wellington, 2003. However, things would not go according to plan with England winning a pivotal Test in their 2003 Rugby World Cup assent.
Throughout the subsequent period up to the 2007 Rugby World Cup, Nonu was viewed as freakishly mercurial, but not necessarily as one who could be relied upon for an accuracy with impunity. The result was that over this period, Nonu would be shunted around a number of positions, often coming out after “happy hour” had finished for the starters, and it was time to let ‘the bench‘ have their fun.
That was then, and this is now!
It is very easy to forget this avatar of the Ma’a Nonu we now presently enjoy, as what has been evidenced post the 2007 season has been nothing short of a revelation, as the beast returned with much more added beauty to his skill-set. There was talk of what All Black rugby would do with the moving of our Second Five-Eight world, as Messrs McAllister and Mauger decided to chase Northwards, heading to England. However, it was such a move that gave Ma’a Nonu the chance to shine… and isn’t he looking luminous now!
Take this International season for example!
In the Steinlager Series against Ireland and Wales, Nonu was out injured, recuperating after rupturing his posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, in the Hurricanes final Super 14 match. While Stanley and Kahui would show their undoubted skill and ability, when Ma’a returned to full health and fitness, there was really no decision who the Three Wise Men would pick for the first Tri-Nations International versus the Bokke, at Eden Park.
Yes! Nonu returned, and was now in the company of All Black players who could be trusted by their coaches, as they had stood the Test of Time, with a track record that says, “Proven!” Nonu played like a man who hadn’t missed a beat, as he bugged out the Boks with his all-round skills. All Round Skills?! Again, Yes! This is the Ma’a Nonu we are now graced with these days. Gone are the days when the ball was stuck to his hands, his vision was caught and cast in a forward direction, and creating opportunities for his outsides was as familiar for his team-mates as a recent Wallaby victory over the All Blacks.
We are still given plenty of moments where we can enjoy the beast making mayhem around, through, and over the opposition, but this is a Ma’a who has added an all-round skill-set to his repertoire, and has been a constant in an All Black machine that has been purring this Tri-Nations season.
In Christchurch, this Saturday night, Ma’a Nonu will play his 50th Test.
All Black supporters, this is a time, a moment for all to stand up and cheer, giving back to the man some of what he has given to the All Black legacy over his 50 caps. We are blessed to have him in our back-line! His combination with C-Rad Smith is proving to be as potent to the team, as the combination of Walter Littleand Frank Bunc
Let’s hope Ma’a gets his freak on in another awesome All Black display this Saturday night, which should provide him the right atmosphere to celebrate his rugby journey and achievements… and we at Backing Black want to celebrate with him.
What say you?…
Until Next Time
iamjonnyking
