Nonu returning to Canes

[Jaguares]

Ma'a Nonu will leave the Blues with the blessing of his team-mates.

While there's still no official confirmation that Nonu is heading back to the Hurricanes next season, the move is thought to be a formality:

https://nz.news.yahoo.com/a/-/top-s...ail&utm_term=0_53e97ccfb4-8489d5e593-63589685

 

[Kiwiwomble]

5 teams in 5 years...you cant tell me that doesn't damage the squads he leave...they have to generally re arrange themselves/ gam eplan for fit him in...and then do it again the next year to fill the hole...i loose more and more respect for him every year

 

[William18]

Well if you don't want to respect an All Blacks legend that is up to you. The facts of the matter are that Ma'a Nonu has often had to leave teams by factors outside of his control and that most of the seasons he has played in Super Rugby have been very good. I don't think I would ever criticise a player for doing what is best for their family.

 

[nickdnz]

Well there is no doubt Ma'a Nonu hasn't exactly been good luck for a lot of teams. He has looked good for the Blues this season however (kicking game aside), and I think the last time he genuinely looked top class in Super Rugby was when he was playing for the Hurricanes. It gives the Hurricanes one of the best and longest established centre pairings. We're also very short in the midfield with no Bateman or Leiua. I just hope Nonu doesn't try and utilize his kicking game too much..

 

[nzlizard]

Well if you don't want to respect an All Blacks legend that is up to you. The facts of the matter are that Ma'a Nonu has often had to leave teams by factors outside of his control and that most of the seasons he has played in Super Rugby have been very good. I don't think I would ever criticise a player for doing what is best for their family.

Umm a couple of times he has left because he wasn't wanted, not for other reasons.

He is only going back to the Canes now that Hammett has left.

I blame him tbh, word is he can be quite bad for environments - obviously only hearing second hand but fits with his moving on.

 

[Kiwiwomble]

Yeah, the stories were the same at the highlanders as they were in his last year at the canes, turning up for a pay cheque...take more than playing ability ( and in all fairness he's been average or below more times than he's been world class over the last five super seasons) to be a legend in my mind

 

[William18]

It all depends who you want to listen to. If he is such a bad influence then it seems strange to me that the Blues and Hurricanes both want him in their teams next season. Apparently he has been a big help to some of the young Blues players.

 

[Larksea]

don't blame him for going back to wellington. But he was an absolute prat for snubbing KJ and going to the highlanders and playing like a total pillock most of the time.

Maybe underachieving at super rugby level to save himself for the all blacks is all part of the plan?
At one stage he had won only 5 games of super rugby in 3 years.

Nonu is a frustrating player.

Always seems to do just enough to keep his all black selection. And he is very durable in terns of injury.
Very average defender
Has a unique combination of size, footwork and kicking/passing ability which is hard to replace.
no 12 in NZ now has anywhere near the amount of experience he has.

He can't last forever. He will be 33 next year, he is past his prime already.

Personally I would be happier with SBW or even carter playing 12 for the All Blacks come 2015 knockout stages, or get Kahui back! As I said, because he has such a unique set of skills & experience he is really hard to replace.

 

[nzlizard]

SBW will have the 12 jersey next year, I fell pretty confident in that.