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Ma'a Nonu...RWC or nah?

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Ma'a Nonu...RWC or nah?
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  • westcoastieW Offline
    westcoastieW Offline
    westcoastie
    wrote on last edited by
    #1

    What happens if Ma'a Nonu makes Super Rugby his bitch in 2019? like he's the form midfielder...
    Does he make the AB's or not?

    BonesB antipodeanA 2 Replies Last reply
    0
  • BonesB Online
    BonesB Online
    Bones
    replied to westcoastie on last edited by
    #2

    @westcoastie do we even know if he is making himself available? I guess we could assume it's an implied agreement upon signing a Super contract.

    1 Reply Last reply
    0
  • westcoastieW Offline
    westcoastieW Offline
    westcoastie
    wrote on last edited by westcoastie
    #3

    This article suggests Ma'a Nonu is keen... Why Leon MacDonald got the Blues' top job

    1. Beauden
    2. Rieko
    3. Ma'a
    4. Goodhue
    5. Bender
    6. Dmac

    2015 Ma'a > SBW or Laumape... but 2019 Ma'a is a great unknown....

    1 Reply Last reply
    1
  • PaekakboyzP Offline
    PaekakboyzP Offline
    Paekakboyz
    wrote on last edited by
    #4

    While he's had his issues with super rugby form and commitment, he knows exactly what's needed for the AB's. He'd also be under no illusions that he can just lace up his boots and expect to make the squad. If he can get into decent nick and show some form... yes please. At worst (even if his form is ok) he's putting extra heat on other 12 contenders, especially a high profile one at the Blues.

    1 Reply Last reply
    6
  • BonesB Online
    BonesB Online
    Bones
    wrote on last edited by
    #5

    At the very least, a bench with him, TJP and Mounga looks pretty sweet.

    1 Reply Last reply
    1
  • No QuarterN Offline
    No QuarterN Offline
    No Quarter
    wrote on last edited by
    #6

    He'd be better than SBW right now, though that's not saying much.

    Crotty-Goodhue looks our best bet at the moment but there's a massive asterisk next to Crotty's fitness.

    Regardless it's great to have him back in NZ.

    1 Reply Last reply
    3
  • C Offline
    C Offline
    cgrant
    wrote on last edited by
    #7

    He will bring a lot of experience to the young Blues backline (I do not consider SBW among the youngs), especially to Tele'a, TJ Faiane and even Perofeta. I can only see positives in his selection. As far as All Blacks are concerned, I am more dubious as he seems to have lost his 2015 pace. However, none of the current AB 2nd Fives have his passing and tactical kicking.

    1 Reply Last reply
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  • rotatedR Offline
    rotatedR Offline
    rotated
    wrote on last edited by
    #8

    Has anyone returned from an overseas stint that wasn't a sabbatical and been of any value?

    Working in his favour the positions centre spots aren't currently occupied (but may be on Sunday) so there is a chance, but Nonu's history and how late he is leaving his run make me weary.

    It would be quite the thing though, he missed '07 so he wouldn't be going to join Brian Lima his fifth tournament but still bloody incredible to play in RWCs 16 years apart.

    S KirwanK 2 Replies Last reply
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  • A Offline
    A Offline
    akan004
    wrote on last edited by
    #9

    If he's one of the top four midfielders in NZ, then it would be stupid not to select him. I doubt that he will be good enough though.

    1 Reply Last reply
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  • canefanC Online
    canefanC Online
    canefan
    replied to Tim on last edited by
    #10

    @tim said in Blues 2019 - (New Head Coach):

    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby/news/article.cfm?c_id=80&objectid=12160852

    Nonu returns hoping to make the RWC squad? Not many players come back as good as before, but if he has lost little of his abilities and he has the motivation I'd consider switching him in for SBW.....

    1 Reply Last reply
    1
  • S Offline
    S Offline
    scribe
    replied to rotated on last edited by
    #11

    @rotated said in Ma'a Nonu...RWC or nah?:

    Has anyone returned from an overseas stint that wasn't a sabbatical and been of any value?

    Working in his favour the positions centre spots aren't currently occupied (but may be on Sunday) so there is a chance, but Nonu's history and how late he is leaving his run make me weary.

    It would be quite the thing though, he missed '07 so he wouldn't be going to join Brian Lima his fifth tournament but still bloody incredible to play in RWCs 16 years apart.

    Matt Todd

    CrucialC Chester DrawsC 2 Replies Last reply
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  • CrucialC Offline
    CrucialC Offline
    Crucial
    replied to scribe on last edited by
    #12

    @scribe said in Ma'a Nonu...RWC or nah?:

    @rotated said in Ma'a Nonu...RWC or nah?:

    Has anyone returned from an overseas stint that wasn't a sabbatical and been of any value?

    Working in his favour the positions centre spots aren't currently occupied (but may be on Sunday) so there is a chance, but Nonu's history and how late he is leaving his run make me weary.

    It would be quite the thing though, he missed '07 so he wouldn't be going to join Brian Lima his fifth tournament but still bloody incredible to play in RWCs 16 years apart.

    Matt Todd

    He hasn't returned.

    1 Reply Last reply
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  • CrucialC Offline
    CrucialC Offline
    Crucial
    wrote on last edited by
    #13

    The ghost of Luke MacAllister is looming in the background.

    1 Reply Last reply
    0
  • kiwiinmelbK Offline
    kiwiinmelbK Offline
    kiwiinmelb
    wrote on last edited by
    #14

    See how he goes first , if he is good enough , absolutely

    my gut feeling is though, father time will have caught up to him and he wont quite be the same , happens to the best of us

    1 Reply Last reply
    4
  • A Online
    A Online
    African Monkey
    wrote on last edited by
    #15

    For most players, no, but as it's one of the greatest players to ever play the game, yes. Even if he's only 60-70% of the player he once was I'd still take him.

    canefanC 1 Reply Last reply
    0
  • KirwanK Offline
    KirwanK Offline
    Kirwan
    replied to rotated on last edited by
    #16

    @rotated said in Ma'a Nonu...RWC or nah?:

    Has anyone returned from an overseas stint that wasn't a sabbatical and been of any value?

    Working in his favour the positions centre spots aren't currently occupied (but may be on Sunday) so there is a chance, but Nonu's history and how late he is leaving his run make me weary.

    It would be quite the thing though, he missed '07 so he wouldn't be going to join Brian Lima his fifth tournament but still bloody incredible to play in RWCs 16 years apart.

    Leon MacDonald, Nonu, Kaino off the top of my head.

    rotatedR 1 Reply Last reply
    0
  • taniwharugbyT Offline
    taniwharugbyT Offline
    taniwharugby
    wrote on last edited by
    #17

    It ain't a well trodden path coming back from so long over seas and getting back in black, but if he is playing good enough, then I'm in.

    1 Reply Last reply
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  • Chester DrawsC Offline
    Chester DrawsC Offline
    Chester Draws
    replied to scribe on last edited by
    #18

    @scribe Scott McLeod returned in fabulous form from Japan. I suspect it was because he got a long pause from injury.

    French rugby is the opposite generally, in that you are worn down.

    1 Reply Last reply
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  • canefanC Online
    canefanC Online
    canefan
    replied to African Monkey on last edited by
    #19

    @african-monkey said in Ma'a Nonu...RWC or nah?:

    For most players, no, but as it's one of the greatest players to ever play the game, yes. Even if he's only 60-70% of the player he once was I'd still take him.

    He's no ordinary player. Even his mentor Tana fell off a cliff in his last Super season. Nonu was brilliant right up until the day he walked away from the ABs. Let's see what he looks like when he gets back

    1 Reply Last reply
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  • CrucialC Offline
    CrucialC Offline
    Crucial
    wrote on last edited by
    #20

    A certain BBBT played 9 tests at Nonus age.

    1 Reply Last reply
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  • DuluthD Offline
    DuluthD Offline
    Duluth
    wrote on last edited by Duluth
    #21

    There is something different about Nonus' return than previous players - he's had a long break. He's not arriving immediately after a NH season. I think his last game was back in May? (apart from the world xv match)
    That's a good off season to clear up all those niggles he would have picked up over the years

    Having said that, I wouldn't be surprised if TJ Faiane is the starting Blues 12 by the end of the season. The new coach doesn't have the same loyalty to either of the old guys as the sacked coach

    1 Reply Last reply
    2
  • BovidaeB Offline
    BovidaeB Offline
    Bovidae
    wrote on last edited by
    #22

    Nonu's performances were always up and down in Super Rugby, the opposite of his time in the ABs once he was the established 2nd 5. Sometimes he looked disinterested. If he is serious about pushing for a place in the 2019 RWC squad he's going to roll back the years to 2015 form.

    BonesB 1 Reply Last reply
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  • BonesB Online
    BonesB Online
    Bones
    replied to Bovidae on last edited by
    #23

    @bovidae said in Ma'a Nonu...RWC or nah?:

    Nonu's performances were always up and down in Super Rugby, the opposite of his time in the ABs once he was the established 2nd 5. Sometimes he looked disinterested. If he is serious about pushing for a place in the 2019 RWC squad he's going to roll back the years to 2015 form.

    1 Reply Last reply
    1
  • rotatedR Offline
    rotatedR Offline
    rotated
    replied to Kirwan on last edited by
    #24

    @kirwan said in Ma'a Nonu...RWC or nah?:

    @rotated said in Ma'a Nonu...RWC or nah?:

    Has anyone returned from an overseas stint that wasn't a sabbatical and been of any value?

    Leon MacDonald, Nonu, Kaino off the top of my head.

    II'll give you Kaino (although he was talking about coming back before he left), Nonu's was a sabbatical, MacDonald's was effectively a sabattical. The hurdle seems to be when a player mentally has shut the door on playing for the ABs again and the sharpness and fitness goes as a result, prying the door open again seems to be bloody tough.

    canefanC 1 Reply Last reply
    0
  • canefanC Online
    canefanC Online
    canefan
    replied to rotated on last edited by
    #25

    @rotated said in Ma'a Nonu...RWC or nah?:

    @kirwan said in Ma'a Nonu...RWC or nah?:

    @rotated said in Ma'a Nonu...RWC or nah?:

    Has anyone returned from an overseas stint that wasn't a sabbatical and been of any value?

    Leon MacDonald, Nonu, Kaino off the top of my head.

    II'll give you Kaino (although he was talking about coming back before he left), Nonu's was a sabbatical, MacDonald's was effectively a sabattical. The hurdle seems to be when a player mentally has shut the door on playing for the ABs again and the sharpness and fitness goes as a result, prying the door open again seems to be bloody tough.

    Lucre was the cautionary tale that springs to mind. Thought he could go off and get paid, then come back and get back in, but he was worse when he got back. He didn't have Nonu's gifts though. Having met him in passing once, the guy is a total farking meast, like a squared off block of granite. He always seemed more durable than the rest. I can't recall him ever really getting injured

    1 Reply Last reply
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  • mariner4lifeM Offline
    mariner4lifeM Offline
    mariner4life
    wrote on last edited by
    #26

    I say yay.

    On the theory that the only way he gets back in is if he is absolutely killing it. His best form equates to the best 12 i have ever seen, why overlook that on principle?

    Of course the chances of that form reappearing at e very very slim, it's 15 years since he made his debut!!

    1 Reply Last reply
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  • antipodeanA Online
    antipodeanA Online
    antipodean
    replied to westcoastie on last edited by
    #27

    @westcoastie said in Ma'a Nonu...RWC or nah?:

    What happens if Ma'a Nonu makes Super Rugby his bitch in 2019? like he's the form midfielder...
    Does he make the AB's or not?

    In the unlikely event that happened, easily.

    1 Reply Last reply
    1
  • Magpie_in_ausM Offline
    Magpie_in_ausM Offline
    Magpie_in_aus
    wrote on last edited by
    #28

    Whats Conrad Smith up to? DC is just finishing up a season in Japan. Could his arm be twisted as well.

    9.Smith
    10 DC*
    11. Ioane
    12.Nonu
    13. Smith
    14. Smith
    15. Barrett

    • DC doesn't have to play any Super Rugby or RC as he was shit in 2015 just needs to turn it up at the RWC.

    Oh and yes to Nonu if he brings the noise.

    1 Reply Last reply
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  • nzzpN Offline
    nzzpN Offline
    nzzp
    wrote on last edited by
    #29

    Could be a viable bench option to close out games. Who wouldn't want that experience out there - and hopefully his vision and skills are still there, even if the physical attributes may have waned a bit.

    1 Reply Last reply
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  • sparkyS Offline
    sparkyS Offline
    sparky
    wrote on last edited by
    #30

    One of the best players in the History of the game. If he is in good enough physical condition and tip-top form, he'll make the RWC squad.

    1 Reply Last reply
    3
  • MN5M Online
    MN5M Online
    MN5
    wrote on last edited by
    #31

    Ma'a is far and away the best 12 the ABs have had.

    He's come a long way since the days of getting on the piss and arrested on Courtney Place!

    HoorooH 1 Reply Last reply
    3
  • HoorooH Offline
    HoorooH Offline
    Hooroo
    replied to MN5 on last edited by
    #32

    @mn5 said in Ma'a Nonu...RWC or nah?:

    Ma'a is far and away the best 12 the ABs have had.

    He's come a long way since the days of getting on the piss and arrested on Courtney Place!

    I think his finest years put him into that echelon but there were years of dross as well.

    Have we seen more consistent 12's throughout their AB career, yes

    mariner4lifeM canefanC 2 Replies Last reply
    0
  • mariner4lifeM Offline
    mariner4lifeM Offline
    mariner4life
    replied to Hooroo on last edited by
    #33

    @hooroo said in Ma'a Nonu...RWC or nah?:

    @mn5 said in Ma'a Nonu...RWC or nah?:

    Ma'a is far and away the best 12 the ABs have had.

    He's come a long way since the days of getting on the piss and arrested on Courtney Place!

    I think his finest years put him into that echelon but there were years of dross as well.

    Have we seen more consistent 12's throughout their AB career, yes

    yep, 4 years as good as anyone i have ever seen, including Horan. That's in a 12 year career though.

    Who would you call most consistent?

    MN5M HoorooH 2 Replies Last reply
    0
  • canefanC Online
    canefanC Online
    canefan
    replied to Hooroo on last edited by
    #34

    @hooroo said in Ma'a Nonu...RWC or nah?:

    @mn5 said in Ma'a Nonu...RWC or nah?:

    Ma'a is far and away the best 12 the ABs have had.

    He's come a long way since the days of getting on the piss and arrested on Courtney Place!

    I think his finest years put him into that echelon but there were years of dross as well.

    Have we seen more consistent 12's throughout their AB career, yes

    He started slow but you can't deny the latter years of his career were GOAT level

    1 Reply Last reply
    2
  • MN5M Online
    MN5M Online
    MN5
    replied to mariner4life on last edited by
    #35

    @mariner4life said in Ma'a Nonu...RWC or nah?:

    @hooroo said in Ma'a Nonu...RWC or nah?:

    @mn5 said in Ma'a Nonu...RWC or nah?:

    Ma'a is far and away the best 12 the ABs have had.

    He's come a long way since the days of getting on the piss and arrested on Courtney Place!

    I think his finest years put him into that echelon but there were years of dross as well.

    Have we seen more consistent 12's throughout their AB career, yes

    yep, 4 years as good as anyone i have ever seen, including Horan. That's in a 12 year career though.

    Who would you call most consistent?

    Say SBW.....I'll get some popcorn

    mariner4lifeM 1 Reply Last reply
    0
  • mariner4lifeM Offline
    mariner4lifeM Offline
    mariner4life
    replied to MN5 on last edited by
    #36

    @mn5 said in Ma'a Nonu...RWC or nah?:

    @mariner4life said in Ma'a Nonu...RWC or nah?:

    @hooroo said in Ma'a Nonu...RWC or nah?:

    @mn5 said in Ma'a Nonu...RWC or nah?:

    Ma'a is far and away the best 12 the ABs have had.

    He's come a long way since the days of getting on the piss and arrested on Courtney Place!

    I think his finest years put him into that echelon but there were years of dross as well.

    Have we seen more consistent 12's throughout their AB career, yes

    yep, 4 years as good as anyone i have ever seen, including Horan. That's in a 12 year career though.

    Who would you call most consistent?

    Say SBW.....I'll get some popcorn

    no no, that's too big a lure to catch anything, you need to be waaay more subtle than that.

    MN5M 1 Reply Last reply
    0
  • MN5M Online
    MN5M Online
    MN5
    replied to mariner4life on last edited by
    #37

    @mariner4life said in Ma'a Nonu...RWC or nah?:

    @mn5 said in Ma'a Nonu...RWC or nah?:

    @mariner4life said in Ma'a Nonu...RWC or nah?:

    @hooroo said in Ma'a Nonu...RWC or nah?:

    @mn5 said in Ma'a Nonu...RWC or nah?:

    Ma'a is far and away the best 12 the ABs have had.

    He's come a long way since the days of getting on the piss and arrested on Courtney Place!

    I think his finest years put him into that echelon but there were years of dross as well.

    Have we seen more consistent 12's throughout their AB career, yes

    yep, 4 years as good as anyone i have ever seen, including Horan. That's in a 12 year career though.

    Who would you call most consistent?

    Say SBW.....I'll get some popcorn

    no no, that's too big a lure to catch anything, you need to be waaay more subtle than that.

    Not everyone is high brow like you. Hooroo might go Walter Little, Aaron Maurer....even old mate Alama Ieremia

    mariner4lifeM 1 Reply Last reply
    0
  • mariner4lifeM Offline
    mariner4lifeM Offline
    mariner4life
    replied to MN5 on last edited by
    #38

    @mn5 said in Ma'a Nonu...RWC or nah?:

    @mariner4life said in Ma'a Nonu...RWC or nah?:

    @mn5 said in Ma'a Nonu...RWC or nah?:

    @mariner4life said in Ma'a Nonu...RWC or nah?:

    @hooroo said in Ma'a Nonu...RWC or nah?:

    @mn5 said in Ma'a Nonu...RWC or nah?:

    Ma'a is far and away the best 12 the ABs have had.

    He's come a long way since the days of getting on the piss and arrested on Courtney Place!

    I think his finest years put him into that echelon but there were years of dross as well.

    Have we seen more consistent 12's throughout their AB career, yes

    yep, 4 years as good as anyone i have ever seen, including Horan. That's in a 12 year career though.

    Who would you call most consistent?

    Say SBW.....I'll get some popcorn

    no no, that's too big a lure to catch anything, you need to be waaay more subtle than that.

    Not everyone is high brow like you. Hooroo might go Walter Little, Aaron Maurer....even old mate Alama Ieremia

    well, it depends on which island you are fishing off really.

    1 Reply Last reply
    0
  • HoorooH Offline
    HoorooH Offline
    Hooroo
    replied to mariner4life on last edited by
    #39

    @mariner4life said in Ma'a Nonu...RWC or nah?:

    @hooroo said in Ma'a Nonu...RWC or nah?:

    @mn5 said in Ma'a Nonu...RWC or nah?:

    Ma'a is far and away the best 12 the ABs have had.

    He's come a long way since the days of getting on the piss and arrested on Courtney Place!

    I think his finest years put him into that echelon but there were years of dross as well.

    Have we seen more consistent 12's throughout their AB career, yes

    yep, 4 years as good as anyone i have ever seen, including Horan. That's in a 12 year career though.

    Who would you call most consistent?

    Horan for most consistent?

    I'm kind of arguing against myself here as I think when Ma'a was at his best he has no equal as he was immense on attack, defence and distribution. But man o man were there some rusty years too

    mariner4lifeM No QuarterN 2 Replies Last reply
    0
  • mariner4lifeM Offline
    mariner4lifeM Offline
    mariner4life
    replied to Hooroo on last edited by
    #40

    @hooroo said in Ma'a Nonu...RWC or nah?:

    @mariner4life said in Ma'a Nonu...RWC or nah?:

    @hooroo said in Ma'a Nonu...RWC or nah?:

    @mn5 said in Ma'a Nonu...RWC or nah?:

    Ma'a is far and away the best 12 the ABs have had.

    He's come a long way since the days of getting on the piss and arrested on Courtney Place!

    I think his finest years put him into that echelon but there were years of dross as well.

    Have we seen more consistent 12's throughout their AB career, yes

    yep, 4 years as good as anyone i have ever seen, including Horan. That's in a 12 year career though.

    Who would you call most consistent?

    Horan for most consistent?

    I'm kind of arguing against myself here as I think when Ma'a was at his best he has no equal as he was immense on attack, defence and distribution. But man o man were there some rusty years too

    oh yea world wide it's Horan by the length of the straight. I thought we were talking NZ only.

    HoorooH 1 Reply Last reply
    0

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