Nonu Selection Dominates Media Coverage

The seleciton of Nonu at second five eighth continues to dominate the media coverage of the impeding test match between the All Blacks and France this weekend in Paris. Mils has come out in support of the selection pointing out that Nonu can be devastating on attack. Not many would argue with the proposition that Nonu, with ball in hand, could be a devastating attacking weapon and a formidable sight for any opponent seeking to tackle him when he's got a decent run up. In any event, we will soon know exactly how formidable he is, and whether or not the French will struggle to tackle him.

Divining rods are being dusted off, crystal balls are whipped out and polished, and all of this activity has but one goal in mind - figuring out why this selection has been made. If you stand back and consider it, there are some obvious reasons to make this choice now. Mauger is a known quantity - we've seen him perform time and time again and there isn't anything to his game that isn't known at this stage. Nonu on the other hand is an unknown quantity, and clearly there is an effort being made to include him in this All Black side. He did not play well against the Irish in New Zealand, his provincial season was cut short by an injured thumb, and he hasn't played on the international stage at second five for any great length of time, but has played some rugby in the position and attracted the attention of the selectors when he played.

Nonu has been earmarked and groomed as a future All Black, almost ever since he burst onto the scene with a resurgent Wellington side and comparisons with the then All Black captain, Tana Umaga were difficult to resist. They want to try him out, and they want to see if he will fire for them in some role. If they were not to try him out now, then when would they do it if indeed he is to take a role in the upcoming RWC 2007? Mauger on the other hand has been around the traps and, if we're looking for faults in his game, it is known that he can be suspect in terms of his defence.

In addition, Nonu is a young man. He has time on his side, but equally he may not be content to sit on the sideline in Union at the highest level forever. If there is a player in the All Blacks made for rugby league, then it is Nonu. And I am sure that the All Blacks Selectors, NZRFU, Super 14 franchises, and Wellington are keen to keep this guy in the game in New Zealand. Mauger on the other hand is not going anywhere at this point in time in terms of his playing career, he wont be going to league.

The reality is that this is a good time to see how he will slot into a side that has performed well, and against opposition that while it went down 47-3 last week, could turn around and come back at the All Blacks this weekend. There are seven new players taking the field for France this week, and it is said that their preparation for the game has been largely focussed on the mental side of the game - something that clearly let them down in the hiding last week. They can bank on a more confrontational All Black style in the back line, with Nonu being charged with running the ball at the opposition at every turn - this could be the factor the All Blacks have been looking for in developing and sustaining pressure in the backs leading to tries, instead of the counter attack, which Mauger has mastered. It will be a very interesting game this weekend.

For anyone out there looking for what can only be described as "just watchable" video highlights footage of France vs All Blacks, Wallabies vs Italy, Ireland vs Springboks, and Grant Fox's analysis of the game, these treats can be downloaded here. Bring on the weekend - I can't wait!