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Why It Is Time for Ma’a Nonu and New Zealand to Split
Published: September 18, 2013
Nonu was arguably the best back in the All Blacks' 2011 World Cup-winning team, but he now finds himself unwanted at Super 15 level and forced to look overseas to continue his career.
The powerful centre has always had problems with consistency, particularly in the Super 15 where he has hardly fired a shot in recent years. After three terrible seasons with three different teams, no club is willing to take on the superstar.
Despite his ability to find form for the All Blacks, moving abroad could signal the end of his international career as he will no longer be eligible to play for New Zealand if he leaves the country. But he may yet be forced to do.
Nonu has struggled in 2013 and even for the All Blacks has hardly flattered himself.
Discipline is the biggest black mark on his game, as he seems intent on delivering cheap shots as much as tackles. His yellow card last weekend for a shoulder charge on South Africa skipper Jean de Villiers was the latest in a series of ill-disciplined tackles this season.
On all but one of these occasions Nonu has spent time on the sidelines, where he is no good to the team. He is effectively deciding not to be on the field for 10 minutes. Who would want someone like this on the team?
Nonu's running game, once so strong, has hardly looked threatening this year. There is no step to expose a weak-shoulder in the tackler; he is just crashing the ball up. This is okay at times, but it gets far too predictable, especially when other players offer more.
Two years ago Nonu was rock-solid in defence and formed a brick wall with midfield partner Conrad Smith. This year he hasn't been so safe, falling off tackles and being out of position so that he gets beaten too often.
His kicking h...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Rugby Union
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