Rugby: Attention turns to centre with all eyes on Nonu

Despite form issues, Nonu is a match-winner. Photo / Getty Images

Despite his admission that his kicking game isn't exactly on the money, Ma'a Nonu remains the only ticket in town to play centre for the All Blacks against the Boks.

We might have become accustomed to him wearing the No 12 jersey but he stole the nation's heart as a centre.

In his rookie Super 12 season in 2003 he was an electrifying performer. His combination with Tana Umaga was eerily good.

So good, All Black coach John Mitchell went with it for the opening test of the season against England.

Back then, there was no sign of the flaws that were to later mar Nonu's game. All anyone could be sure of was that he was a hulking big brute who was desperately difficult to put down.

That's what the selectors will come back to next week - the fact, that when he's in form, Nonu is the best linebreaker in world rugby.

It will give them some uneasy moments. Nonu, as he showed last night, is more prone to losing his defensive composure when he plays centre.

He collared Tyson Keats high in the opening minutes in what was a high and lazy tackle. That's Nonu - one minute he's giving points away the next he's winning them back.

He's the antithesis of Conrad Smith, which is probably why they work so well together in tandem.

Nonu drifts in and out of the game unlike Smith who is steady, constantly organising others, making a little dart here or a clever off-load there.

Nonu just does big picture. When he's involved, it's high impact and that is what you need against the Springboks. His contribution was limited last night for the simple reason Wellington couldn't get the ball.

Nonu's test experience and ability to make things happen will push him to the head of the queue while it won't escape Graham Henry's notice that he has precious few options.

Forget shifting Mils Muliaina. That will force more changes than necessary and besides, the All Black fullback looked back on his game in Sydney and wouldn't be keen on having such a disruption.

Isaia Toeava is the only other man available who has started a test at centre. He's got the physical presence and a booming kick. But he's never convinced, when he has worn No 13 and looks much happier at fullback.

Tamati Ellison really had to play last night if he were to be a shout. The All Blacks have clearly been impressed with the way Ellison has trained and fitted in well.

The temptation to play him next week, to see if his Super 14 and training form could be carried into the test arena, would have been strong. It would be too big a jump, though, to ask him to debut with so little tough rugby under his belt in recent weeks.

Anthony Tuitavake would be the only other possibility. He's a long way back at the moment and has played his best football on the wing.