Ma’a Nonu’s remarkable rugby journey has taken another unexpected twist. The 44-year-old All Blacks legend, now wearing Sharks colours, will face his former nation for the very first time when the Greatest Rivalry tour rolls into Durban on Tuesday night, and head coach JP Pietersen couldn’t be happier with the impact his marquee mentorship signing has already made.
Nonu arrived at the Sharks in a coaching capacity, tasked with fast-tracking the development of the franchise’s next generation. But Pietersen has shown he’s not afraid to unleash the two-time World Cup winner when the moment demands it, naming the veteran centre on the bench for what promises to be a deeply emotional occasion.
The mentor becomes the weapon
Speaking to KickOff.com on Monday, Pietersen painted a picture of a player who’s seamlessly transitioned from All Blacks royalty to Sharks sage in the space of days.
“I think Ma’a, his name says it all and what he achieved,” Pietersen said. “What Ma’a brings is experience. And he’s been good helping Jurenzo [Julius], Litelihle Bester and [Zekhethelo] Siyaya on how you prep and how you get yourself ready for the game and obviously helping with the skill set going into a game.”
The Sharks boss revealed that Nonu has been providing invaluable intel on what the young Durbanites can expect when they run out against the All Blacks, offering insights only a player with 103 Test caps and countless battles in the black jersey could deliver.
“I think it’s great that he’s here with us and giving our young boys just a feel of what the All Blacks may give to them. He’s showing some good pictures of what they may expect tomorrow,” Pietersen added.
Instant chemistry, emotional collision
Despite only linking up with the squad late last week, Nonu has slotted into the Sharks environment as if he’s been there for seasons, not days. The players have embraced the midfield maestro, soaking up every nugget of wisdom from a man who’s seen and done it all in the professional game.
But Tuesday night will be different. Facing the haka. Facing the silver fern. Facing the nation that made him a household name across the rugby world.
“It’s just great for him to be around. He’s slotting in like he was here for a long time and the boys love him,” said Pietersen. “It’s going to be an emotional game for Ma, I think, because it’s the first time I think he plays against the All Blacks. So it’ll be awesome to see tomorrow.”
For a player who bled black for over a decade, pulling on different colours to face New Zealand represents uncharted territory. The theatre of Kings Park will witness a unique moment in rugby history, a legend returning to haunt the jersey he once wore with such distinction.
Kick-off in Durban is at 19:00.
