McCaw pays tribute to “champion All Black” Ma’a Nonu

Oct 10 • General News, International, RWC 2015 • 2603 Views • Comments Off on McCaw pays tribute to “champion All Black” Ma’a Nonu

Photo: Anton Geyser / Rugby 15

All Blacks second five-eighth Ma’a Nonu has marked his 100th Test cap in front a sell-out crowd of 52,000 at St James Park, Newcastle in the All Blacks Rugby World Cup 2015 final Pool C match against Tonga.

Nonu scored the last of seven tries in the All Blacks 47-9 victory, notching up his 30th Test try in the process. He was presented with a special silver cap by Richie McCaw at the conclusion of today’s match.

“It’s a testament to your hard work, determination that you are still putting out performances like that tonight,” said McCaw. “I thought about how I would sum up Ma’a Nonu as an All Black and a person and I would have to say he is loyal to his team-mates, would give anything to the jersey, would give anything to the brothers beside him, he cares deeply about the legacy of the All Blacks and does everything he can to add to it. All the boys see the hard work you put in so you can play like a champion every week.

“He is a proud Samoan-New Zealander who is a champion All Black who represents his family, his team-mates and his country with a huge amount of pride and respect. Tonight we salute you on 100 Tests. Congratulations.”

New Zealand Rugby Chairman Brent Impey also congratulated Nonu, All Black No.1031 on joining an exclusive club of exceptional current and former All Blacks – Dan Carter, Richie McCaw, Keven Mealamu, Mils Muliaina and Tony Woodcock have all reached the milestone since 2011.

“This is a great achievement for a very popular player who’s made a tremendous contribution to the All Blacks and New Zealand rugby.”

Nonu, 33, who made his Test debut against England at Westpac Stadium in Wellington in 2003, is the longest serving No.12 in All Blacks history with 75 caps and is the sixth most capped player in the side.

“Ma’a has grown immensely as a player over the years,” said Impey. “He’s a hard working individual who’s always determined to do his best.

“Ma’a has firmly stamped his mark on the game with his distinctive style in the mid-field. On and off the field he has represented his country with great pride and it’s no surprise that he’s become a firm favourite of fans young and old.”

Nonu, who has scored 30 Test tries for the All Blacks, has appeared most often against Australia making 23 appearances. Other appearances are: South Africa (16), France (14), England (12), Argentina, Wales (7), Ireland (6), Italy (4), Scotland, Tonga (2) and one each against the British and Irish Lions, Canada, Fiji, Japan, Namibia, Samoa.