Lee Stensness: Toulon Tana's in for a rugby culture shock

Tana Umaga's recently confirmed deal to play 10 games for French second division side Toulon for a reported $140,000 per game probably sounds like a dream deal.

But, by the end of his French sojourn, it is likely Umaga will feel he has earned his money.

Umaga is in for a rugby culture shock that will swing from interesting to frustrating during those 10-or-so weeks.

I played for three seasons in France at a top club and it was often frustrating.

However, the stories I heard from Kiwis at smaller clubs made my experiences seem mild.

To play second division rugby in France will be a step back in time for Umaga, who has been at the cutting edge of rugby in the Super 14 and as captain of the All Blacks.

There are characteristics from the amateur era running through French rugby that become stronger the smaller the club and the lower the division. Quirks such as:

The home team always wins.

The two forward packs have an all-in punch-up during the first half.

Training becomes more archaic and is often a quasi-controlled melee/game against the reserve team, known universally as 'les espoirs' - the team of hope.

There is a lot of 'off the ball' play.

Umaga will be a target for all opposition players and, without video citing, anything can happen.

There is no doubt Umaga will take care of himself but I wouldn't mind betting that one or two of those dreadlocks go missing at some stage.

The briefness of Umaga's stay will mean the frustrations that can wear down a player over a season will not have too great an impact on his enjoyment. He will see it all as a novel experience.

But there will be great pressure to perform and, with off-field commitments to fulfil, it will not quite be the holiday on the Cote d'Azur that people assume. However, for $140,000 a game, Tana should be able to grin and bear it.

As the 'search' continues for Umaga's long-term All Blacks successor, despite the fact it's actually a search for a plan 'B' in case plan 'A' - Conrad Smith - gets injured again, it is a shame young centre Simon Mannering has recently re-signed with the Warriors until 2009.

Mannering, who turns 20 next month, has a strong rugby background, having played for Nelson College's 1st XV, and has the size, power and speed to be a force in either code.

League has him now and he is developing into a quality performer. In 2009, he will be an experienced, hardened footballer and a perfect candidate for the All Blacks' 2011 World Cup campaign.