Dangermen of the Rugby World Cup: Ma’a Nonu

When you hear the name Ma’a Nonu, some of the words that inevitably spring to mind include, ‘scary’, ‘fast’ and ‘juggernaut’. Nonu has built an impressive reputation as one of the best centres in world rugby. He is sure to be a thorn in the side of any opposition team come the Rugby World Cup.

The combination that Ma’a Nonu has built with fellow veteran centre Conrad Smith is one the most feared partnerships in the world. The typical brains (Smith) and brawn (Nonu) team have wreaked havoc on enemy defenses over the years helping place the All Blacks at the top of the world rugby rankings.

This is not to say that Nonu is all physicality and no brains. One does not become the most dangerous centre in world rugby through sheer brute force. His decision making ability on and off the ball is comparable to none. No other player is more involved in play quite as much as Nonu. Whether it be on defense or offense, Nonu knows exactly where to be and when to be there.

The explosive (some would say flamboyant) Nonu has built a reputation as one of the toughest marks in world rugby, able to break the line, off-load the ball and set up or score scintillating tries. He’s been nominated for the IRB and New Zealand player of the year awards and is also one of the few Super rugby centurions. No mean feat in any sense.
2011 World Cup-winning All Blacks coach Graham Henry has described him as “probably the best linebreaker in this game in this country.” With the new generation of players emerging we’ll have to wait and see whether Nonu will be able to make his signature mark in this year’s World Cup. Some have their doubts but with the form and experience he possesses those doubts are sure to be silenced.