JP makes sense of Nonu's selection against All Blacks

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Sharks will face one of the biggest challenges of their season when they welcome the All Blacks to Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Tuesday evening as Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry continues in Durban.

While the occasion pits a proud Sharks outfit against one of the most decorated teams in international rugby, much of the media headlines have fallen on the home side’s bench, where All Blacks legend Ma’a Nonu is set to make his Sharks debut against his former team.

The 44-year-old two-time Rugby World Cup winner arrived in Durban last week on a short-term deal as part of a mentorship programme.

“Ma’a, his name says it all and what he has achieved,” Sharks head coach JP Pietersen said ahead of the clash on Tuesday.

“It’s going to be an emotional game for Ma’a.

“I think it’s the first time he is playing against the All Blacks, so it’ll be awesome to see.”

Nonu’s selection has caused a major debate in South Africa, with critics arguing that his inclusion comes at the possible expense of a younger player who could have featured in the milestone match.

However, Pietersen insists Nonu’s selection is based on the Sharks’ limited midfield options.

He explained that Jurenzo Julius is starting, while Springboks André Esterhuizen and Ethan Hooker are unavailable.

“It’s André and Ethan who aren’t available for us, and we’ve only got Murray Koster and Jurenzo standing. That’s obviously the reason why Ma’a’s on the bench.”

Pietersen added that Nonu has already made an impact within the Sharks, not only helping the younger players but also giving them valuable insight into what they can expect from the All Blacks.

“[Nonu] is giving our young boys a feel for what the All Blacks may bring to them, and also showing them some good pictures of what they may expect against the All Blacks.

“He’s slotted in like he’s been here for a long time, and the boys love him.”

He added: “He’s been good helping Jurenzo Julius, Lili Bester and Zekhethelo Siyaya with preparing themselves for a game, and helping with the skill set going into a game.”

Having played against the All Blacks during his time as a Springbok, Pietersen revealed that it is a huge occasion not only for him personally, but for the franchise as well.

“It’s massive, and facing the Haka in Durban is awesome.

“The last tour was 30 years ago, so we played the boys a bit of a video, just a background about how amazing it is to be part of it.

“Everybody that’s in the organisation and the players are excited – it’s been 30 years, and now you get the opportunity to fold a jersey and play against a great All Blacks team.

“It is something you can talk about for the rest of your life.”