Nonu or not?

Thought maybe it'd be nice to shed some light on this saga.  There's probably no bigger story in NZ rugby currently, including Sonny Bill and Benji.  What you read here it seems most the press don't know in New Zealand.

I imagine most of you by now have been persuaded that the blockbusting 2nd5 does create a problem with "team dynamics".  Reading between the lines you can see that Nonu more than likely belittles younger players or those he feels beneath him.  There are surely dry, sarcastic comments, often muttered half under the breath, aimed at the coach and unquestionably followed up with a little sniggering.  Hammett comes from the best provincial rugby set up in the world and it seems the main thing he wants to instil at the Hurricanes is a team ethic, camaraderie and culture.  Nothing wrong there.  After all, this is what rugby is.

Homeless

Personally I haven't been a fan of him of late.  The show he puts on at Super level seems to say this is all beneath him.  A demonstrated lack of interest injected with moments of petulance that cost 3 points and his team minus one player for 10 minutes.  Add to that the huge wage bill and you have to ask is he worth the hassle?  He's not my cup of tea.

Not my cup of tea

But I will say he was one of my players of the match last week.  A Wallabies side obviously intent on pressuring Aaron Smith's service (which didn't falter) to a young 1st5 coupled with a rushing defence on the #10.  All Taylor had to do was shovel the ball onto Nonu.  With 3 players rushing down on him Nonu makes it look like child's play to take the ball up and I argue there isn't one other inside centre in world rugby that can do that.  All the heat removed off Taylor...and simply.  In the All Black set up he tows the line and definitely performs.

So what is going on with the Super franchises?  Surely someone thinks they can make it work?

Well...here's the inside info.

When Nonu left for the Blues he apparently stipulated to Kirwan that he wouldnt play outside Ainscombe who was subsequently jettisoned to the Chiefs. Then after one season Nonu packed up and left (despite a "gentlemen's agreement" to stay for 2) running afoul of JK. Down at the Highlanders our prize 2nd5 had Jamie Joseph bending over backwards to accommodate him and despite something similar to the Kirwan agreement told Joseph he wouldnt be back (couldnt see why Joseph would want him....he was abysmal this Super season). So now all the talk about how he wants to move back home to the 'Canes. Now a little while ago didnt it seem very much like Hammett was ready to forgive and forget? Then next thing we hear is no chance? Then Barrett taking a long time to make his decision? Word is Barrett told Hammett if Nonu comes back he's off to the Blues and Hammett immediately abandoned the idea of welcoming him back. So....3 seemingly burnt bridges. And 2 other franchises that dont want him (dont forget that Ainscombe was a pivotal part of the Chiefs' winning campaign). The NZRU will have to let him go offshore to get game time. Most seem to think he will rake in some big bucks in Japan or France for a season but I dont know why they dont push for him to join an Australian outfit.  But the $$$ will do the talking and it maybe that the NZRU don't want him playing against NZ teams....though it may be a good way to undermine an Australian squad ;)

With his troublesome ankle may be given a rest this following weekend hopefully Saili can produce something spectacular.  Much of a Crotty fan as I am (he was the form 2nd5 in all Super rugby this season) Hansen doesn't want to break the mould of a blockbusting number 12 and distributor at outside centre.  Of course....Sonny will be back soon, but Benji won't get a look in with Smith at centre.  His only chance is if Sonny Bill has 13 on his back.