Nonu busts the Canterbury dam

Canterbury's Stephen Brett is no match for Wellington's Ma'a Nonu in the dying seconds of yesterday's match, won 26-24 by Wellington. Marty Melville / Getty Images

Just when the national championship needed a jolt, who better than blockbusting Ma'a Nonu to deliver the blow.

Canterbury copped the Nonu treatment yesterday. His surging run through three tackles to the tryline after the hooter had sounded, coupled with Jimmy Gopperth's nerveless conversion, gave Wellington a surprise 26-24 win in the capital.

Say what you like about Nonu. Question his offloading ability, wonder at whether he can really bridge the gap between perennial All Black bench-warmer and being a consistently impressive contributor to the national cause but there's no one better in the country at bashing through a defensive line.

Wellington had trailed 16-3 but steadily closed the gap on the back of a six-from-six goalkicking performance from the gifted but erratic Gopperth.

In these situations, Canterbury can usually be relied on to shut things down, which is what might have been expected of Waikato at Eden Park on Saturday night.

But both teams got it wrong. In Canterbury's case, the result means they'll need to get moving to ensure a top two spot.

The top four teams get home quarter-finals. Top two means teams not only draw a repechage qualifier in the last eight but they will also be at home in the semifinals. The top qualifier, if they play their cards right, will host the final.

All Blacks continue to filter back into the teams this week. Auckland will welcome the return of three backs: wing Joe Rokocoko, second five-eighth and captain Sam Tuitupou and young utility Isaia Toeava.

Three others - lock Ali Williams, wing Doug Howlett and hooker Keven Mealamu - return next week.

In Auckland's case, they need some experienced heads, having shared the points with Waikato with a backline some of whom are still more familiar with school exams than rugby examinations.

Two of them, first five-eighth Lachie Munro and wing David Smith, played significant parts in turning round a 19-0 halftime deficit so that Auckland could have pinched the maximum points before ending with a 22-all draw.

Munro's acceleration through gaps and snappy passing overcame two early boo boos, which cost tries; Smith continued his progress as perhaps the country's most exciting wing with a sizzling 60m solo effort.

Auckland coach Pat Lam is aware of Smith's potential but in a fatherly way is keen to play it down.

"He's certainly got a big future, but [we have to take] small steps and whatever comes will come," Lam said.

Auckland control their own destiny. They sit top of the six-team play-off group.

Victory over Otago at Eden Park on Saturday will put them on the cusp of finishing top.

Prop John Afoa will have scans this week after over-extending his back while lifting in a lineout.

He was in considerable pain and on crutches after the game but was walking more freely yesterday.

The early prognosis is encouraging but he is unlikely to be fit to face Otago.

North Harbour, delighting in their 28-18 win over Otago, have Greg Rawlinson and Luke McAlister back for their trip to Canterbury, where they will challenge for the Ranfurly Shield.