Rugby: Nonu makes team better

With his 100-test cap and necklace, Ma'a Nonu waves to the crowd. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Ma'a Nonu's trophies for playing 100 tests for the All Blacks could be seen on his head after the Tonga match in Newcastle - a special cap presented by skipper Richie McCaw - and around his neck - a lolly necklace, a traditional gift for him and his team-mates.

But perhaps most significantly for the All Blacks for the next week or so at this World Cup was the expression on his face.

Milestone reached, yes. A popular try scored, yes. A lift in overall performance from his team-mates, again yes. But it's only a step in the right direction.

They have won nothing yet, but with Nonu back in the No12 jersey after he missed the scrappy Georgia game with a shoulder problem, this All Blacks machine looks set to shift up a gear or two. The second-half attacking performance - after they withstood some of the best Tonga could throw at them at St James' Park - was impressive, and much of the credit for that must go to Nonu and his combination with the very good Dan Carter at No 10.

Sonny Bill Williams was again excellent off the reserves bench but the All Blacks just seem more settled when Nonu starts.

McCaw, unavailable due to a thigh injury but who will almost certainly be available for next weekend's quarter-final against France or Ireland, was thoughtful and eloquent when presenting Nonu with his cap. Nonu joked that he might give it to his children or stick it in a wardrobe, but was serious when talking about McCaw's presentation.

"It was an amazing honour for me to receive my cap from Richie. He's one of those inspiring players I look up to, so I'm really stoked."

McCaw spoke to the good-natured crowd as much as Nonu when he said to the player who made his test debut 12 years ago: "It's a huge achievement just to play one test, let alone 100.

"Tonight you should be extremely proud.

"Like all players, you have had your ups and downs as an All Black, but it's a testament to your hard work and determination that you are still putting out performances like that tonight."

McCaw said he had thought long and hard about the best way to sum up Nonu "as an All Black and as a person".

"I'd say he's loyal to his team-mates, would give anything to the jersey and would give anything to the brothers beside him. He cares deeply about the legacy of the All Blacks and does everything he can to add to it.

"All the boys see the hard work you put in, mate, all the hard work so you can play like a champion every week.

"Ma'a Nonu is a proud Samoan-New Zealander. He's a champion All Black. He represents his family, his team-mates and his country with a huge amount of pride and respect."

He's also a very important part of this All Blacks team, with coach Steve Hansen saying Nonu could be considered as the best All Blacks No12 yet.

"Over time he has matured into one of the best second five-eighths who has ever played for the country, so he should be extremely proud," he said.