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Super Rugby PacificBluesMa'a Nonu

Ageless Ma'a Nonu furthers All Black case with vintage performance

Ma'a Nonu of the Blues. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)

Blues midfielder Ma’a Nonu has turned back the clock with a vintage performance in a 32-29 win over the Waratahs at Eden Park, further pushing his case forward for an All Black recall.

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Nonu finished with a try and two try assists while in defence finished with eight tackles, missing one. He showed his class early stepping up into first receiver to fire a bullet pass to find Tom Robinson on the edge for the Blues’ first try. He followed it up moments later providing a simple pass out the back for Caleb Clarke who scored under the posts.

Nonu showed he still has the toe in the open field to finish from anywhere when the Blues capitalised on a loose pass from a Waratahs set-piece play. When Ioane delivered the final pass, no one looked like catching Nonu.

https://twitter.com/TNODonoghue/status/1114423222169214978

https://twitter.com/galumay/status/1114438081203957760

https://twitter.com/MRrugbyworldcup/status/1114422972058492929

The impressive performance will do no harm for Nonu’s World Cup push in an already crowded midfield puzzle. There will be no easy decisions for Steve Hansen with Ryan Crotty, Jack Goodhue, Ngani Laumape, Anton Lienert-Brown already in the mix as well as Blues teammate Sonny Bill Williams.

If Nonu can maintain his level of play, he would bring experience that the others can’t necessarily bring, having been an integral part of two World Cup campaigns and an All Black Centurian.

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One aspect in Nonu’s favour was he generally saved his best for the black jersey and was known for performing better at international level. If that still holds true then he could be a heading to his fourth World Cup.

Israel Dagg hangs up his boots:

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Comments on RugbyPass

g
gs 13 minutes ago
The Champions' Cup - a paradise lost?

Thank you. GS

8 Go to comments
R
RedWarriors 1 hour ago
How 'misunderstood' Rassie Erasmus is rolling back the clock

Those involved with the law making say otherwise. The intention was 5-3 with a 9,10 and other utility bak. Anyone involved with the law making agree with your position? Nope….

229 Go to comments
J
Jacque 1 hour ago
Glasgow hit back at Stephen Donald's 'absolutely unfounded' comments

SOUR GRAPES. 10 years ago Super Rugby was the BEST club comp in the WORLD. South africa left the group chat & no one really talks about Super Rugby “Pasific”.

35 Go to comments
J
JW 1 hour ago
Highlanders vs Crusaders: Jordan is Cullen-esque, another Test bolter

Was at the game

Feel sorry for you.


No it was a nice remembrance up and the crowd looked big?

6 Go to comments
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JW 1 hour ago
Highlanders vs Crusaders: Jordan is Cullen-esque, another Test bolter

It was some really excellent passing, and reasonable, well excecuted kicking, like he’s getting more comfortable as a playmaker. Actually what I mean to say is he seems to be decided between passing, kicking, and when to pin his ears back like normal, more seemlessly/faster.


We might just be projecting though because we know Razor wants him to be a bit of a 15 that can play tactically from the back or up in the line too? Maybe he’s the same as normal when in form.

6 Go to comments
N
NB 2 hours ago
How 'misunderstood' Rassie Erasmus is rolling back the clock

For sure, and I conclude that the law does reflect the intention as it is. Chill out.

229 Go to comments
N
NB 2 hours ago
How 'misunderstood' Rassie Erasmus is rolling back the clock

The more obvious deduction is that Owen Doyle’s opinion never made it it into the final draft, isn’t it?


Presumably because it did not gain enough support.


So I’ll keep my powder dry and believe that the law does already reflect the intention behind it - thanks.

229 Go to comments
J
Julio Langworth 2 hours ago
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0 Go to comments
N
NB 2 hours ago
How 'misunderstood' Rassie Erasmus is rolling back the clock

All you’ve done is make an ass of yourself twice over.


First, by assuming that everything Owen Doyle says is correct. I’d be surprised if you can find someone to support that version of events.


Second, by doubling down and assuming that existing Law does not reflect WR’s intention. The law is black and white, and it says nothing about a 5/3 bench being mandatory.


Sorry, but you’ve travelled to the far side of Stupid on this one.

229 Go to comments
C
CN 2 hours ago
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Must admit I do prefer ratings compared to player comparisons but at least England matches get something, there is nothing at all in other matches

2 Go to comments
J
Julio Langworth 2 hours ago
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M
MM 2 hours ago
Crusaders flex muscles in attritional win over Highlanders

Reihana is a Waikato product.

3 Go to comments
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Chris929 2 hours ago
Player Comparisons: England weather late French resurgence to win Grand Slam

can you please stop these absurd player comparisons-for mens rugby you still doing player by player match ratings-for some reason you dropped those for the women and doing it by units which is stupid.

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J
J Marc 2 hours ago
England hold off France to claim Grand Slam in Six Nations epic

How Heard should have standed on the pitch after her assault on Vernier ?

Hum ,I am silly, it was the fault of the french broadcaster…

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RedWarriors 3 hours ago
Leinster player ratings vs Scarlets | 2024/25 URC

Gunne and Byrne had poor games. Gunnes kiking was often short.

Soroka was pretty immense.

Suprized that ref has been reinstated after bing ‘rested’ after a few terrible games early season. Two kollapsed mauls as Leinster was inside the 5 metre line and pushing to skore. No kard. Byrne hit so so late: ‘do that again and ill book you…eh wtf?’

Too many errors did it for them. they should have wrapped up 1st plae there.

1 Go to comments
R
RedWarriors 3 hours ago
How 'misunderstood' Rassie Erasmus is rolling back the clock

I have already told you that a person who was involved in formulating the law says the intention was 50:50 and named the bakline positions intented in the 5:3 split.

Those members of WR opposed to other than 5:3 splits will use the easy win of INTENTION when WR disusses the rule. DO NOT ask again.

229 Go to comments
R
RedWarriors 3 hours ago
How 'misunderstood' Rassie Erasmus is rolling back the clock

I understand how law works. You don’t. Its the intention of the law makers that matters.

229 Go to comments
R
RedWarriors 3 hours ago
How 'misunderstood' Rassie Erasmus is rolling back the clock

By sheer good fortune, not be great planning as you suggested.

229 Go to comments
R
RedWarriors 3 hours ago
How 'misunderstood' Rassie Erasmus is rolling back the clock

I listen to experts. With respekt, you didn’t understand that the intention is the law.

If the law stays the same then its an easy win for those wanting 5-3 assuming WR are not inkompetent of korupt.

229 Go to comments
R
RedWarriors 3 hours ago
How 'misunderstood' Rassie Erasmus is rolling back the clock

Finally you admit that the law should be the intention of law makers. Doyle was there for the formulation of the law. You were not. He is an expert in rugby law. You are not.

The intention is ALWAYS established during the period before the law is made. Its 5-3. Its not 6-2, or 7-1, or 8-0.

229 Go to comments
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