Ma’a Nonu is about to find himself on the opposite side of the haka.
The New Zealand rugby legend has been named on the bench for the Hollywoodbets Sharks ahead of their clash with the All Blacks in Durban on Tuesday, August 11, creating one of the most unexpected full-circle moments of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour.
Nonu, 44, only recently joined the Sharks environment, making his inclusion even more remarkable. The veteran centre is set to make his Sharks debut against the country and team he represented for more than a decade, earning 103 Test caps for New Zealand and helping the All Blacks win back-to-back Rugby World Cups in 2011 and 2015.
Now, instead of wearing the black jersey, Nonu will be wearing Sharks colours at Kings Park.
The matchup also carries a deeper connection. Nonu isn’t simply a former All Black facing his old team, he is one of the players who helped define the modern era of New Zealand rugby. His return to the field against the All Blacks puts him in the unusual position of preparing to face former teammates, coaches and a jersey that became synonymous with his career.
New Zealand lock Patrick Tuipulotu, who played alongside Nonu for the All Blacks, described him as a “true professional” and said the team was surprised to see the veteran included in the Sharks’ squad.
For the Sharks, the occasion is another major storyline in their matchup with the All Blacks as New Zealand continues its Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour of South Africa. The All Blacks are coming off their opening tour match against the Stormers before heading to Durban to face the Sharks at Kings Park.
And for Nonu, it could be one of the most surreal moments of his remarkable career: standing across from the All Blacks, rather than standing with them. At 44 years old, the two-time World Cup champion is entering his 25th professional season, and if he gets onto the field Tuesday night, he’ll do it against the team that made him a New Zealand rugby icon.
