Former All Black Ma’a Nonu performed a haka to the All Blacks before their match against the Sharks in Durban, a moment described as special. Nonu, who was named on the Sharks bench for the second game of the All Blacks’ tour of South Africa, sought advice from the All Blacks before deciding to perform the haka. He played in the final 20 minutes of the game, which the All Blacks won 54-0.
Nonu, who has played 103 tests for the All Blacks, initially declined when the Sharks asked him to perform the haka the night before the game. He expressed that he did not want the moment to be about his personal history or his presence on the bench, but rather about the rivalry between the All Blacks and the Sharks. He spoke with All Blacks staff, including Tana Umaga and Tamati Ellison, to seek permission, stating it was a matter of respect on behalf of his team, himself, and his family. He felt it was the appropriate action to respond to the All Blacks’ haka.
All Blacks dominate Sharks in Durban
The All Blacks secured a dominant 54-0 victory over the Sharks in Durban, marking their second win from two matches on the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour. The team led 14-0 at halftime and increased their tempo in the second half. Jordie Barrett, named man of the match, scored a try in the 59th minute. Following Barrett’s try, Quinn Tupaea, Emoni Narawa, Caleb Clarke, and Kyle Preston combined for Preston to score, as the All Blacks continued to pressure the Sharks.
The All Blacks displayed control throughout the match, denying the home team any scoring opportunities and highlighting their superior approach. Despite difficult conditions with puddles on the field, the All Blacks impressed with their performance. Additional tries were scored by replacement second five-eighths Timoci Tavatavanawai in the 68th minute and lock Sam Darry in the 73rd minute, completing the eight unanswered tries.
The Sharks had a lively start, but the All Blacks quickly gained control. After a Barrett midfield Garryowen, the All Blacks secured possession, leading to Kyle Preston‘s tap penalty that moved them deep into Sharks territory. Lock Josh Lord then passed to wing Fehi Fineanganofo, who scored the first try 18 minutes into the game. Another kick from Barrett led to a potential try for Damian McKenzie, which was initially awarded but later disallowed by the TMO due to him losing the ball.
The Sharks struggled to get out of their own half for extended periods after the initial 10 minutes. From a lineout deep in the Sharks’ 22m area, Barrett kicked to the open flank, where Fineanganofo beat his marker and fed McKenzie for a try that survived TMO scrutiny. However, McKenzie later retired injured due to an ankle injury sustained earlier while attempting to take a high kick, and was replaced by Narawa.
The home team’s strong start, which included early penalties conceded by the All Blacks, was met with strong defence, preventing any try-scoring chances. The Sharks frequently used high kicks from first five-eighths Vusi Moyo to create pressure, but this yielded little reward. The All Blacks maintained their 14-0 lead into halftime.
In the second half, Asafo Aumua was ruled not to have grounded the ball over the line, but a penalty advantage was played. He tapped the ball into the goalmouth, and a long pass from No. 8 Wallace Sititi found Clarke, who scored. Poor ball control by the Sharks, combined with the All Blacks’ use of short kicks behind their defence, led to Love toeing the ball ahead before Clarke picked it up and passed to Fineanganofo, who scored his second try in the 52nd minute. The All Blacks then dominated the final quarter, securing their emphatic victory.
Nonu has joined the Sharks on a short-term contract, primarily in a coaching and mentoring capacity, as they prepare for the Currie Cup competition.
Source: rnz.co.nz
