Nonu ready to terrorise opponents in Super Rugby
SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Blues assistant coach Tom Coventry sent an ominous warning to opponents when he described Ma’a Nonu’s fitness levels heading into Super Rugby.
The 36-year-old Nonu joined the Blues from Toulon to fight for a place in Steve Hansen’s All Blacks squad for the World Cup in Japan later this year.
Nonu will likely form a formidable midfield combination with Sonny Bill Williams for the Blues this season
“Ma’a hasn’t missed a trick,” Coventry told NZME.
“He hasn’t missed a training, he hasn’t been put on a restricted load, he’s done everything asked of him and he’s been training like a 19-year-old.
“He’s been marvellous and has fit in seamlessly, really.”
Despite Nonu spending the last three seasons in France, Coventry said his conditioning and motivation is still well ahead of the curve.
“Ma’a is in great nick,” Coventry added.
“He’s a true pro. He’s come back into our environment, he brings all that experience. Just watching him train, he and Sonny have fit into our team beautifully.”
Nonu played an integral role in New Zealand’s back-to-back World Cup triumphs in 2011 and 2015 and has notched 103 tests in black.
If his play is good enough to earn selection for the World Cup in Japan later this year, Nonu could become one of the first players to win three World Cups.
Source: NZME
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