Ma’a Nonu
Veteran midfielder Ma’a Nonu will play his 100th Test match for the New Zealand All Blacks, when they face Tonga in a Rugby World Cup Pool C match on Friday.
Nonu, who made his All Blacks Test debut in 2003, has had 83 Test starts in his stellar career, scored 29 tries and is the most capped All Blacks inside centre.
He will become the All Blacks 6th Test centurion on Friday and will line up alongside 3 of those centurions – hooker Keven Mealamu, prop Tony Woodcock and flyhalf Dan Carter.
“On behalf of the All Blacks, we would like to congratulate Ma’a on this special milestone,” All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said.
“He has been an incredibly valued member of our group for a very long time.
“He has been fully committed to enhancing the All Blacks jersey and the values that go with it.
“He plays a special part within the group and loves this team.
“He and his family will be very proud of everything he’s achieved, as we all are of him.
“We look forward to celebrating his achievement on Friday.”
Skipper Richie McCaw (sore hip) and prop Charlie Faumuina (tight hamstring) weren’t considered for selection.
In McCaw’s absence, the side will be captained by No 8 Kieran Read.
Loose forward Liam Messam will also make his 1st appearance at the Rugby World Cup, off the bench.
Hansen said the squad has prepared well for the Tonga Test.
“We’ve had a very heavy workload in the last 2 weeks on the training pitch and a couple of very physical games, which has been great,” Hansen said.
“But this week we’ve been looking to freshen the group up and really concentrate on the key parts of our game that we expect will deliver a quality, 80-minute performance on Friday.
“We’re now getting to an exciting part of the competition – 1 game out from knockout footy.
“We know the Tongans will be very physical and bring everything to this final Pool match.
“They’re a proud nation who we’ve faced on a number of occasions.
“One only has to remember their last Pool match against France in 2011 to know that if you don’t turn up, they will make life difficult for you.”
Hansen said the squad has enjoyed their time in the north-east English town of Darlington and was looking forward to the Newcastle Test.
“Playing at St James’ Park, the home of Newcastle United, will be a special occasion as there is a lot of history surrounding the park and the club.
“They’ve had some great players and coaches over the years – Alan Shearer, Peter Beardsley and Kevin Keegan, to name a few – and we look forward to bringing our game to their special home.
“I’d also like to also acknowledge the folks at the Darlington Mowden Park RFC who provided outstanding training facilities for us this week. Mowden Park is one of the best we’ve had the privilege of using anywhere in the world.”
All Blacks: 15 Ben Smith, 14 Nehe Milner-Skudder, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma’a Nonu, 11 Waisake Naholo, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read (Captain), 7 Sam Cane, 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Tony Woodcock
Replacements: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Ben Franks, 19 Brodie Retallick, 20 Liam Messam, 21 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 22 Beauden Barrett, 23 Sonny Bill Williams.
Date: Friday 9 October
Venue: St James’ Park, Newcastle
Kick-Off: 21:00 SA Time (20:00 BST, 19:00 GMT, Saturday 08:00 NZ & Tonga Time)
Referee: John Lacey (Ireland)
Assistant Referees: JP Doyle (England), Marius Mitrea (Italy)
TMO: Graham Hughes (England)
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