'I didn’t expect him to be named': All Blacks react to Sharks' Ma'a Nonu call
SPOTLIGHT: The All Blacks are preparing for a “spectacle” when they face the Sharks at Kings Park on Tuesday.
It will be New Zealand’s second Greatest Rivalry tour match after they beat the Stormers 38-21 in Cape Town on Friday.
The spotlight on that Sharks fixture will be big after the Durban side included All Blacks legend Ma’a Nonu in their matchday squad.
The 44-year-old was brought in to help mentor the next generation in Durban, and he only arrived at his new team earlier this week.
The two-time World Cup winner will play off the bench on Tuesday and his selection has caught the All Blacks’ attention.
“I didn’t expect him to be named,” said Patrick Tuipulotu, who captained the All Blacks against the Stormers.
“I’m certainly looking forward to it. A lot of the boys know him and are close to him.
“It’s no secret how long he’s played. His career has been this long because he is a true professional of the game and he has been blessed to keep playing.”
Tuipulotu added: “I think it will be quite the spectacle to see him against us and we will certainly look forward to that.
“I might catch up with him midweek and give him a jab or two.”
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The work continues 🏃♂️
Ma’a Nonu joined the team on the Hollywoodbets Kings Park turf as preparations ramped up.
BLACK WHITE FOREVER #SharksRugbyClub #SRC #BlackWhiteForever pic.twitter.com/FoBFzWO9Fv
— Sharks Rugby Club (@SharksRugby) August 7, 2026
Meanwhile, the All Blacks will be sweating over one of their own midfielders.
Centre Billy Proctor left the field early in the second half of Friday’s victory.
“He was trying to jackal for the ball, there was a clean-out, and it looks like it is maybe a shoulder injury,” said All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie.
“We are not sure yet. There are a few bumps and bruises.”
