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http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/8986762/Plenty-to-be-done-before-Nonu-a-Hurricane
Plenty to be done before Nonu a Hurricane
Conrad Smith has confirmed the New Zealand Rugby Union approached the Hurricanes about taking in Ma'a Nonu but admits his All Blacks midfield partner must make some adjustments before being welcomed home.
Nonu's future has been the subject of intense speculation. Of the five New Zealand franchises, the Hurricanes are the only team not to rule out having Nonu in their squad next year.
Nonu-gate is a hugely complicated, controversial affair after Hurricanes coach Mark Hammett ejected the world class second five-eighth from his team two years ago. The NZRU are reluctant to comment publicly on the situation but it is clear moves have made behind closed doors to retain their prized asset.
Since leaving the capital, Nonu has played for the Blues and Highlanders but, because of his off-field persona, he is seen as difficult to manage.
Hurricanes captain Smith today confirmed he discussed Nonu's return with Hammett and that the NZRU made attempts to build bridges between the No 12 and his former coach. This is a slow burning process, though Nonu and Hammett shared a coffee last week.
"Mark Hammett said the NZRU had approached them [Hurricanes]. He wanted to get my opinion. It was literally a two minute conversation," Smith said as the All Blacks assembled for a two-day camp in Auckland.
"I anticipate I will be asked about it in the next few weeks. It's being dealt with at a higher level and I can honestly say I don't know what stage it's at.
"In terms of playing ability I'd love to have him there, but I appreciate there is a bigger picture and a lot of other things to go through."
Asked if he thought Nonu could slot back in to the Hurricanes' environment after falling out with Hammett, after a deep breath and long pause Smith hinted he was in favour of Nonu's return.
"I don't know. That's obviously why it's taken as long as it has and there's a bit to go through," he said. "I don't know where it's going to end up. There'd have to be a bit of shifting on his account. I'm always an optimist. I think that can be done.
"It's pretty unique and I don't think it will happen a lot. I'm optimistic it will come to a conclusion there's just a few things that have to be worked through."
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen made it clear he would not tread on Hammett's toes and would, therefore, stay out of the situation.
Hansen spoke with Nonu last night and sensed he was relaxed, despite being without a home next year.
"He's in great shape mentally," Hansen said. "I don't see it in his face and in his conversation. He's a strong enough man to back himself.
"He's focusing on being here and doing it well. At this point he knows he can't control things. But he knows when he is here he has to play well. That's the best advertisement he can have for himself. We reinforcement that when we had a chat last night."
Hansen suggested the key to getting the best out of Nonu was to reinforce the fact no individual was bigger than the team.
"I don't know what they don't do," he offered on why Nonu hadn't produced the same form in Super Rugby. "He's got clear expectations here like everybody else. If you don't there's a consequence. Each individual parcel makes up the whole of the All Blacks. We've got a culture, a philosophy that the team comes first. We drive that everyday. We've never had a problem."
Plenty to be done before Nonu a Hurricane
Conrad Smith has confirmed the New Zealand Rugby Union approached the Hurricanes about taking in Ma'a Nonu but admits his All Blacks midfield partner must make some adjustments before being welcomed home.
Nonu's future has been the subject of intense speculation. Of the five New Zealand franchises, the Hurricanes are the only team not to rule out having Nonu in their squad next year.
Nonu-gate is a hugely complicated, controversial affair after Hurricanes coach Mark Hammett ejected the world class second five-eighth from his team two years ago. The NZRU are reluctant to comment publicly on the situation but it is clear moves have made behind closed doors to retain their prized asset.
Since leaving the capital, Nonu has played for the Blues and Highlanders but, because of his off-field persona, he is seen as difficult to manage.
Hurricanes captain Smith today confirmed he discussed Nonu's return with Hammett and that the NZRU made attempts to build bridges between the No 12 and his former coach. This is a slow burning process, though Nonu and Hammett shared a coffee last week.
"Mark Hammett said the NZRU had approached them [Hurricanes]. He wanted to get my opinion. It was literally a two minute conversation," Smith said as the All Blacks assembled for a two-day camp in Auckland.
"I anticipate I will be asked about it in the next few weeks. It's being dealt with at a higher level and I can honestly say I don't know what stage it's at.
"In terms of playing ability I'd love to have him there, but I appreciate there is a bigger picture and a lot of other things to go through."
Asked if he thought Nonu could slot back in to the Hurricanes' environment after falling out with Hammett, after a deep breath and long pause Smith hinted he was in favour of Nonu's return.
"I don't know. That's obviously why it's taken as long as it has and there's a bit to go through," he said. "I don't know where it's going to end up. There'd have to be a bit of shifting on his account. I'm always an optimist. I think that can be done.
"It's pretty unique and I don't think it will happen a lot. I'm optimistic it will come to a conclusion there's just a few things that have to be worked through."
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen made it clear he would not tread on Hammett's toes and would, therefore, stay out of the situation.
Hansen spoke with Nonu last night and sensed he was relaxed, despite being without a home next year.
"He's in great shape mentally," Hansen said. "I don't see it in his face and in his conversation. He's a strong enough man to back himself.
"He's focusing on being here and doing it well. At this point he knows he can't control things. But he knows when he is here he has to play well. That's the best advertisement he can have for himself. We reinforcement that when we had a chat last night."
Hansen suggested the key to getting the best out of Nonu was to reinforce the fact no individual was bigger than the team.
"I don't know what they don't do," he offered on why Nonu hadn't produced the same form in Super Rugby. "He's got clear expectations here like everybody else. If you don't there's a consequence. Each individual parcel makes up the whole of the All Blacks. We've got a culture, a philosophy that the team comes first. We drive that everyday. We've never had a problem."
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