Rugby: Backline has plenty of space for Nonu

Ma'a Nonu signed on with the Blues after being let go from the Hurricanes. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Ma'a Nonu's switch to the Blues is a boost for a backline losing players with a combined 250 Super rugby games.

The midfield back has played 110 games for the Hurricanes as well as 56 tests for the All Blacks and that know-how will help when Stephen Brett, Luke McAlister, Jared Payne and Joe Rokocoko peel away after this season.

Where Nonu fits into the backline will be determined by his readiness when he returns from his sabbatical in Japan, the Blues' player roster and their injury toll.

By inclination and style, another All Black Benson Stanley is a second five eighths and if he is fit and firing Nonu might have to shift out a place. However, wherever he slots in, Nonu should be a great benefit for Gareth Anscombe.

The New Zealand under 20 five eighths was a massive contributor when they won the recent global title for the fourth time. He was in the Blues wider training squad this season and barring injury or the sudden transfer of Daniel Carter or Quade Cooper, Anscombe must wear the No 10 Blues jersey next season.

He is a local product and it is time the Blues showed a better pathway and more faith in players from their region. Nonu alongside him or nearby would be a huge fillip for the five eighths and the backline.

The 29-year-old Nonu mixes power and subtlety in his game and said the lure of further All Black games fuelled his decision to stay in New Zealand even after he was ditched by Hurricanes coach Mark Hammett.

He had been offered a number of overseas deals and while he would take up a short contract in Japan, he still wanted to continue his All Black career.

"It's more or less letting go of your dream and that's playing for the All Blacks. I've got a chance to try and keep making that side while I still can," he said.

It seems Blues captain Keven Mealamu was the key factor in Nonu's shift north.

"I am delighted because it was not that long ago it seemed everyone was leaving," Blues coach Pat Lam said yesterday. "It is a good sign at the Blues that people want to come to a winning team.

"It's no secret there was a lot of interest in securing Ma'a by teams both locally and around the world."

Nonu's retention means the New Zealand Rugby Union has 26 leading players committed to stay after this year's World Cup.

They are: Nonu, Richie McCaw, Daniel Carter, Mealamu, Corey Flynn, Hikawera Elliot, Tony Woodcock, Ben Franks, Wyatt Crockett, Ali Williams, Anthony Boric, Tom Donnelly, Sam Whitelock, Jerome Kaino, Kieran Read, Daniel Braid, Liam Messam, Victor Vito, Jimmy Cowan, Alby Mathewson, Colin Slade, Conrad Smith, Benson Stanley, Ben Smith, Israel Dagg and Aaron Cruden.