Ma’a Nonu is expected to make a delayed Super Rugby start for the Blues as he is currently in Japan playing Top League rugby with the Ricoh Black Rams.
rugbyweek
Unlike other World Cup-winning All Blacks who opted to enjoy an extended break after their success at the 2011 tournament, Nonu headed abroad and took up a lucrative offer to play in Japan.
As a result, Nonu was granted permission by new Super Rugby team the Blues to miss their pre-season preparations as well as skip the opening games of the tournament.
It could be week five before Blues fans get a chance to see the star recruit run out at home after coach Pat Lam revealed Nonu would possibly only make his Blues debut in South Africa.
That would mean Nonu will make his first home appearance against his previous team, the Hurricanes, on March 23.
“He will probably miss the first two games but will definitely join us to South Africa,” Lam told the Sunday News .
“That is ideal; to go on tour with the boys. I can’t just throw him out there. We are prepared for that.”
Nonu’s late arrival in Auckland is dependent on whether the Ricoh Black Rams make the tournament playoffs.
Nonu is said to be in outstanding form for the Tokyo-based franchise and there is no doubt he will look to continue this strong run for the Blues on his return to New Zealand.
There are major concerns that Nonu may suffer severe fatigue, however, given he faces 19 months of continuous rugby.
While Lam is in regular contact with the 29-year-old centre, it is difficult to predict what physical and mental state he will arrive in.
Luckily there is a great deal of depth in the Blues mid-field with Isaia Toeava, Benson Stanley, Rene Ranger and Michael Hobbs offering quality cover until Nonu’s anticipated arrival.