All Blacks: Nonu's full focus on Wallabies challenge

All Black Ma'a Nonu recovered from a hamstring injury. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Ma'a Nonu raised a sculpted eyebrow to stare down the inquisitor.

His focus, unlike the questioner, was on today's test, the first clash with the Wallabies this season. Everyone else could talk about games down the track but, as the man in the black No12 jersey tonight at Eden Park, his concentration had to be on this match and every other issue in it.

His mind was on team patterns, the Wallabies work and Pat McCabe, the man lining up in the same jersey.

McCabe has zoomed into serious focus this season, pushing past Matt Giteau, Anthony Fainga'a and others to be the steady platform in a backline oozing wizardry and wonder.

Nonu gave him the respect most players bestow on their opponents, though he overdid some of the gush.

He was, said Nonu, a great player who was even more direct than he was, bigger and younger as well.

"He is taller, good player eh, he will only get better. He shows he's got balls, he loves taking the ball up and is really physical and he can tackle too. Great player."

That's some praise, especially as Nonu shades him by about 10kg and has more than 50 test starts on him.

But his point was noted. Wallaby coach Robbie Deans has picked a form backline, a bit on the small side but dynamic, abrasive and skilful.

Eden Park will be Nonu's home ground next season after his acrimonious departure from the 'Canes, and he did note he had always liked playing there.

But today was all about the All Blacks, getting sorted for the opening Bledisloe Cup challenge and being in top collective form.

If reports were true, Wallaby five-eighths Quade Cooper would be absent from the frontline in defence but Nonu said the pivot could defend when he had to. Putting him elsewhere meant he was a greater threat.

"His game is attack though he can tackle, I have seen him," he said.

Fill-in defender Digby Ioane had topped the Wallaby tackle count against the Springboks so there would be little leeway down his channel. It was suggested that might take some of the sting out of Ioane in attack. Nonu did not agree.

"He is a fit guy, well-conditioned, he has a great body and done a lot of work," Nonu said. "He gets off the ground fast and if you give him the ball he can carve holes."

Nonu left the Cake Tin early last week with a tender hamstring, a result, he thought, of not stretching properly before the test.

After all the trouble at the Hurricanes, Nonu found the All Black camp invigorating and restorative.

"It was great motivation," he said. "Sometimes when you enjoy your rugby you play your best and when you are not you play like ****. I really enjoy this camp, I'm really fortunate and lucky to be here."

He wants to carry on to South Africa and Brisbane but those decisions were up to the selectors.

"I'm trying to display my best rugby and perhaps the best way is to play more rugby," he said. "The challenge of the Wallabies gets us higher, it is a great rivalry of modern rugby, there is a lot of history. Their backs have been outstanding. It will be a good display this weekend."

Perhaps a preview of the World Cup final, someone proffered. The glower was back.

"I don't know, I've never been there, don't know what it is like but it should be a good game. Later this year every team has a chance. It is not the World Cup yet, we are living day by day. We'll have to wait till the World Cup comes round, I'm sure you guys can't wait."