Rugby: Nonu to Force test of will

Ma'a Nonu is still the best when it comes to breaking the line. Photo / Getty Images

All Black eligibility will face its stiffest challenge to date if Ma'a Nonu heads to the Western Force next season.

It's an unlikely destination for the discarded Hurricane, with several other offers on the table, including the possibility of a Dan Carter-like sabbatical.

But a move to Perth would have the most dramatic consequences in wider terms.

Nonu would be the man to test the New Zealand Rugby Union's resolve - forcing them to question whether they can't extend eligibility to all those playing in Sanzar competitions.

This issue has been raised in the past and rejected, with the national body refusing to differentiate between a move to Europe or Australia.

The outcome is still the same - the player in question is no longer contracted to a New Zealand franchise and therefore barred from All Black selection.

Since Australia softened its own rules to allow offshore marquee players in 2008, a handful of Kiwis have been lured across the Tasman.

To date, the departees have never quite been A-list - Willie Ripia, David Smith, Sosene Anesi; the closest being Daniel Braid, who joined the Reds.

The NZRU have never felt the pain of seeing a potential All Black so near yet so far. Nonu could change all that. The last few weeks have maybe distorted the picture about Nonu.

The world has been caught up in the drama, dissecting his personality and alleged misdemeanours without really knowing the facts.

The only certain thing about Nonu is that when he runs straight and hard, he's the best line-breaker in world rugby.

When he's focused, fit and mentally aligned with his team, he's a world class presence - not just bash and dash either, but a brilliant off-loader and long passer.

His test career could have years to run yet and whoever coaches the All Blacks next year would be keen to see Nonu re-sign with the NZRU now for at least another two years. The coach would be able to monitor Nonu's form in a competition the selectors value and understand.

Nonu would have to be released for the June tests, Tri Nations and November tours, just as he would if he were playing in New Zealand.

But, under the current rules, he wouldn't be able to play for the All Blacks. NZRU chief executive Steve Tew says there are no plans to change.

He, like everyone else with responsibility for the national team, is hoping Nonu can be convinced to stay. Speculation has had Nonu going to the Chiefs or heading offshore.

The more likely alternatives would appear to be Nonu signing with the Blues or possibly signing with the NZRU but not committing to a franchise just yet.

A sabbatical period has been offered to him and it may be that Nonu heads offshore after the World Cup to play in Europe or Japan.

He'd miss next year's Super Rugby competition but would return in time to be available for the Tri Nations - as Daniel Carter would have done in 2009 had he not been injured during his sabbatical.

He could delay signing with a franchise until next year, which would prevent the emotion of the past few weeks being a factor in his decision-making.

It would also allow the picture to become clearer in terms of how the five franchises are performing. He could even end up signing with the Hurricanes.

If the Hurricanes suffer another inglorious year in 2012, it is debatable whether coach Mark Hammett will be in charge in 2013.

Even if he is, with time apart and new cultures and systems in place, it is possible Nonu and Hammett could agree to give things another go.