Nonu
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Dice" data-cid="536361" data-time="1446177680">
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<div>Sheesh, I miss Ice at the Blues. He was our outright best and most important player from 2007 - 2011. Often people give me the stink eye when I say I'd have him ahead of Cashmore and Mils in an all time Blues backline at 15, but Ice could do anything those two could do and more, he just played with a crappier cast. If he got to play a larger part of his career at 12, I think he'd go down as the best Blues 12 as well. He looked like the complete package whenever he got game time at 12, we just always had Stanley or McAlister in the team, so he never had to play there much.</div>
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<div>In the last 8 years, I don't think we've felt a bigger impact from losing a player than Ice at the Blues. Our attack was always in the top bracket with him in the team, but is nothing but average without him. Our attack practically revolved around him, and he made others(particularly wingers) around him look better. I mean, he even made Lome Faatau look world class when he was at the Canes in 06. :shock:</div>
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<div>It sucks that the NZRU didn't let him come back when they even let Faifili Levave come back for Super Rugby after skipping the ITM Cup to play Japanese rugby.</div>
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<p>Yes those famous Blues golden years 2007-2011...</p>
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<p>Wow you're the most impressive Toeava fanboy yet, that's an amazingly glossy take on the career of the Special Gifted Athlete.</p>
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<p>I notice you leave out all of his internationals? Henry had few howlers, and Auckland's most over hyped player since Luke MacAlister was one of them.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Canerbry" data-cid="536754" data-time="1446283767">
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<p>I notice you leave out all of his internationals? Henry had few howlers, and Auckland's most over hyped player since Luke MacAlister was one of them.</p>
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<p>From Harbour but anyway.</p> -
Back on point, NONU!!!!
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<p>Forget the official Rugby World Player of the year nominations, Nonu you legend! Player of the year for me.</p>
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Nonu, PLEASE DON'T GO!!
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Black Paua" data-cid="537491" data-time="1446321799">
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<p>Nonu, PLEASE DON'T GO!!</p>
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<p>Yeah. I'm concerend about the AB midfield. </p>
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<p>We have Carter & McCaw covered but whoever fits into the 12/13 slots has a huge hole to fill.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="canefan" data-cid="537513" data-time="1446323160">
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<p>Crotty Fek and SBW for now?</p>
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<p>Feketoa & Moala. Buckman a dark horse?</p> -
<p>Just wateched Ma'a performimg the <em>haka</em>. Jeez, he was up for this game wasn't he?</p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Victor Meldrew" data-cid="537539" data-time="1446324261"><p>Feketoa & Moala. Buckman a dark horse?</p></blockquote><blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Victor Meldrew" data-cid="537539" data-time="1446324261"><p>Feketoa & Moala. Buckman a dark horse?</p></blockquote>
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Ma'a's pace has been unbelievable this year, the work he must have put in is amazing. I think high odds of Buckman wearing 12,11 or 14 at some point next year. -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="DMX" data-cid="537623" data-time="1446330855"><p>Ma'a's pace has been unbelievable this year, the work he must have put in is amazing. I think high odds of Buckman wearing 12,11 or 14 at some point next year.</p></blockquote>
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Agree. Big ups to Nonu this year. He has really shown how important this was to him in his own way. <br>
On your second point I think that Fekitoa/Ngatai may be our natural Nonu/Smith replacements. -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Kirwan" data-cid="537534" data-time="1446324046"><p>SBW will be at the sevens next year, maybe Moala at 12; like for like replacement for Nonu.</p></blockquote>
Only like for like in that he is a strong runner. The rest of his game... not so much. He has the raw ingredients though, if he can put the same amount of work into his game that Nonu has he could be a fine All Black.