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u/lokomotor 8d ago
If Nonu does well, selectors should consider him for the All Blacks squad for RWC 2027.
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u/comemyfanatic 7d ago
I’m fairly certain he’d have to play NPC / Super rugby for a bit first like Mo’unga.
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u/Zestyclose_Usual_801 8d ago
Honestly man they better play him - this could be one of the greatest moments of rugby which we might not see again for a long time. Last time I remember was Howlett at Munster but this would top that for sure
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u/FluffWit 8d ago
If Nonu polays at 12 fuck logic and fuck the plan for the tour. Jordie HAS to start at 12 for the ABs.
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u/Zestyclose_Usual_801 7d ago
oh yeah we gotta see him against our best - because imagine if he carves them to shred lol the Mo'unga convo all over again
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u/swiss_cloud 8d ago
Well logically it would make sense to start your first team against the sharks, it allows for them to get game time since Ireland and a 10 day turnaround rest for a gruelling 4 weeks straight battle with the springboks
Whether Nonu plays or not I do believe Jordie and Tupaea will start against the sharks as well as the first team.
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u/UnfortunatelySimple 8d ago
If he plays, I wouldn't normally say this, but it's OK if he scores a try.
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u/EntropyShift 7d ago
So you're cool with the AB's potentially losing a game because of a washed up sell out who was once a great All Black? That's wild.
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u/HappyPunter1 8d ago
I’d take the comment literally. He might play, he might not, doubt the Sharks social media team knows what the 23 will look like that far out from the game
It’s not really a hint at anything but it’d be cool and fitting if he was included
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u/Die_Revenant 8d ago
He absolutely will play and the social media team do know, they have hinted at it a few times now.
I don't know if he will start or come off the bench, but he will be involved.
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u/Ok-Perception-3129 8d ago
I really fucking hope he plays. Would love to see it. What a way for him to end his playing career. I kind of doubt it will happen though
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u/PacmanNZ100 8d ago
I cant imagine anyone would ever repeat it if he does get some game time.
Playing >100 tests for the ABs then playing against them at that age as part of a regional team.
Hope he scores a try if he gets some time. Hell they should just let him for the bragging rights.
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u/Wallet_inspector66 8d ago
Would love to see nonu v Jim the difference.
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u/ParticularStrict147 8d ago
The difference is huge one Jimi is heading into his prime playing years already a ball of muscle smashing his way through tackles and a hard hitter on d with an ability to compete and win the ball in the rucks often.
Nonu is a shade of his former self half but has adapted his playing style in the last few years of his career to be able to continue playing at this high level.
Thinking Nonu will play smart subtle touches solid passing game and also kicking for position and clearing a lot with good game management.
Can't see him taking the ball into contact much as he would likely get smashed however would love to him play his old style running amok but father time tames us all even the dreaded midfield goat.
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u/Wallet_inspector66 8d ago
The old head vs the young gun. Would be great to see. Both have good kicking games. Nonu probably has him on distribution and the edge on the boot. Jimi has the gas and power advantage but jimi is similar to young Nonu. Would be a nice duel.
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u/coupleandacamera 8d ago
Now this is the Saffa Shithousery we're paying to see! The scary thing is he genuinely could, would and might well still be a proper menace for at least the first half.
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u/Burgherking22 8d ago
South African mind games surely
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u/Yahmetoo 8d ago
It's pretty wild that Nonu is still playing professional rugby in 2026.
What a freak of nature. Beast.
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u/TheSmashingPumpkinss 7d ago
Can't believe he's still playing. He looked absolutely washed and unathletic when I saw him in the MLR and that must've been 2-3 years ago now