D-Day nears for Nonu
All Black stalwart Ma’a Nonu says he will make a decision on his playing future in the next fortnight.
Nonu has another year remaining on his New Zealand Rugby Union contract, but like all senior All Blacks, the experienced midfielder has an out-clause in his contract and is weighing up several options, including a stint in Rugby League.
Nonu remained mum on his overseas options, saying simply, "I can't disclose that eh, I can't talk about that. But I have got big decisions to make in the next two weeks. We'll see how it goes."
He did, however, say that his loyalty to the All Blacks will weigh heavily on his decision.
"The All Blacks have always been a priority of mine, not just becoming an All Black but being a great one," he said.
"It's kept me in New Zealand for a long time. I want to keep playing for this team. It will be the main factor in me [deciding on] staying here."
Set to make his 70th appearance for the All Blacks in Saturday’s Test against the Springboks in Dunedin, Nonu said the side is wary of a possible Bok backlash and won’t underestimate their great rivals.
"They'll be a side that's hurting really. We've seen it before – team on the back foot will be desperate. The Springboks the last time we played them down here they won in the last minute in 2008. They're not going to be easy," he said.
He added that he would also not allow himself to become complacent following the departure of his main rival for the black number 12 jersey, Sonny Bill Williams, to Japan.
"I have high standards. The coaches demand a lot of myself and a lot of the leaders. I have to produce great footy week in, week out, and I can't get comfortable or complacent,” said Nonu.
"We've seen that over the last three tests where players haven't played well and other players have slotted in. There's easily another midfielder that can slot in. I want to keep playing my best footy and winning for the All Blacks."
