Head to Head: Nonu v Contepomi
Whilst some people might regard him as wild and inconsistent, Ma’a Nonu has grown into the complete inside centre at international level and that will give him the edge in Sunday’s Rugby World Cup quarterfinal match-up with Argentina’s Felipe Contepomi.
So says former Springbok centre – and current WP assistant coach – Robbie Fleck ahead of Sunday’s fourth, and final, quarterfinal clash of the 2011 RWC between hosts, NZ, and the Pumas.
“Some people might still remember the old Nonu,” said Fleck in an exclusive chat with this website, “what I see now is a more mature player… and the best No.12 in the game at present.
“He’s always had pace and power, but he’s now added distribution and patience as two more strings to his already impressive bow,” added Fleck.
“If he needs to take the ball up, he does. But, more often than not, he looks to get the ball to his outside backs and he has the consistency in his game for the coaches – and his teammates – to rely on him.”
Life, however, will be tough for Nonu without his regular partner in crime Dan Carter – the world’s best No.10 having limped out of the 2011 World Cup last weekend with a serious groin injury.
And the loss of Carter – according to Fleck – could see a wily old fox like Contepomi try some of his tricks come game-day on Sunday. (Kick-off 7.30 GMT)
“Contepomi is an old-school inside centre – it’s like playing two No.10s,” said Fleck, “he kicks, he runs and he tackles well – taking pressure off his flyhalf.
“He’s been their talisman for so long and now more than ever without Juan Martín Hernández who was injured before the World Cup. However, this team is not as good as the side that made the semifinals in 2007 and I think there’s too much pressure on Contepomi – especially with his rib injury.”
Fleck is 100% correct; Contepomi – as he has shown in New Zealand these past few weeks – is the heartbeat of this Argentina side; even if his defence has been an issue at the tournament. (See the statistics below.)
However, his country’s entire attack relies heavily on him, whereas Nonu – as brilliant as he is at present (backed up by a total of 360 running metres gained in three games) – is one of many threats across NZ’s board; the likes of Piri Weepu, Conrad Smith and one of Israel Dagg or Mils Muliaina all adding to their attacking spark.
Of course, the loss of Carter could be an issue, but that is where Nonu’s presence will be very important for the All Blacks in this weekend’s quarterfinal.
“I think they’ll be fine without Carter against Argentina,” said Fleck, “it’s afterwards, come the semifinals, where they could struggle.”
Statistical comparison – Ma’a Nonu v Felipe Contepomi:
Nonu (29 years old):
Total minutes played: 240
Matches played: 3
Tries scored: 2
Tackles made: 11
Tackles missed: 3
Off-loads: 4
Turnovers won: 2
Penalties conceded: 3
Total running metres: 360
Contepomi (34 years old):
Total minutes played: 177
Matches played: 3
Tries scored: 1
Tackles made: 14
Tackles missed: 11
Off-loads: 2
Turnovers won: 1
Penalties conceded: 1
Total running metres: 146
Penalty goal success rate: 45%
Conversion success rate: 67%
Robbie Fleck’s verdict: “It’s old (Contepomi) versus new (Nonu). I think Nonu will edge this battle.”
Our verdict: “It’s hard to argue with Robbie Fleck. In fact – he has it spot-on on all fronts. Nonu has become a complete inside centre, his skill levels matching his pace and power. Maybe the presence of one Sonny Bill Williams has spurred him on? But, either way, he is a class act across the board.”
By Howard Kahn
