Former All Blacks midfielder Ma’a Nonu is set to play against his former team, having been named on the bench for the Durban Sharks. The Sharks will face the touring All Blacks in the second fixture of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour. Nonu, who made 103 appearances for the All Blacks between 2003 and 2015, recently joined the Sharks in a player-mentor capacity.
The 44-year-old centre’s inclusion in the matchday squad for the clash in Durban marks a notable return. He was a key member of the All Blacks teams that won the Rugby World Cup in 2011 and 2015. His move to Durban was initially announced as part of a high-performance mentorship programme, where he would work alongside Sharks coach and former Springbok JP Pietersen to help develop the club’s younger talent. Despite this role, Nonu has remained available to play and is now part of the squad facing the country he represented for over a decade.
Sharks squad features blend of youth and experience
The Sharks have selected a team that combines both youth and experienced players for the upcoming match. Sharks coach JP Pietersen has named a youthful starting XV. Among the notable inclusions are Springboks Vincent Koch, Vusi Moyo, and Vincent Tshituka. Prop Nemo Roelofse, who recently returned from playing in France, will start in the front row. No.8 Nick Hatton will captain the side.
The full Sharks team for the match includes Zekhethelo Siyaya at fullback, with Donovan Don and Litelihle Bester on the wings. The midfield features Jurenzo Julius and Murray Koster. The halves pairing consists of Vusi Moyo at first five-eighth and Bradley Davids at halfback. The loose forward trio comprises captain Nick Hatton at number eight, Emmanuel Tshituka, and Phepsi Buthelezi. In the second row, Emile van Heerden and Hendre Stassen are named. The front row includes Vincent Koch, Eduan Swart, and Nemo Roelofse.
The reserves bench for the Sharks features Liam van Wyk, Rambo Kubekha, Simphiwe Ngobese, Vincent Tshituka, Matt Romao, Ivan van Zyl, Luan Giliomee, and Ma’a Nonu, who will wear the No.23 jersey.
All Blacks continue South African tour
This match is the second on the All Blacks‘ tour, which sees them face four South African provincial sides. The tour also includes four tests against the world champion Springboks. This marks the All Blacks’ first full-scale tour of South Africa in 30 years.
The All Blacks arrive in Durban following a 38-21 victory over the DHL Stormers in Cape Town, which opened their Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour. The score was level at 14-14 during the second half of that match before the All Blacks secured their lead in the later stages at DHL Stadium.
The upcoming encounter between the All Blacks and the Sharks will take place at Kings Park in Durban. Kick-off is scheduled for 7pm on Tuesday, 11 August, local time, which corresponds to 5am on Wednesday, 12 August, NZT.
The match officials for the game include referee Matthew Carley from England, with assistant referees Karl Dickson (England) and Hollie Davidson (Scotland). The Television Match Official (TMO) will be Mike Adamson (Scotland), and the Foul Play Review Official (FPRO) is Andrew Jackson (England).
Source: rnz.co.nz
