Nonu

No Quarter

Heard Gregan make the comment when talking about Pocock "great players make everyone else in the team play better". 
Really rams home how much we are going to miss Nonu, DC and McCaw. Not only are they great players, the confidence they must instill in the rest of the team when they are on the park would be massive. Hugely influential players for the All Blacks.

Victor Meldrew

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Black Paua" data-cid="535668" data-time="1446006615">
<div>
Ali vs Frasier, Bruce Robertson/Bill Osbourne, in crackley black and white. Too young to appreciate, until now.
</div>
</blockquote>
The AB backline c.1976 was also bloody good - except for full-back.where we had a decade of failed attempts to get someone even half-decent. 
 
The likes of Batty, BG Williams, Bruce Robertson and Bill Osborne were easily among the best we've ever had.

Mick Gold Coast QLD

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="nostrildamus" data-cid="535256" data-time="1445955325">
<div>
Not so sure about Mauger, I liked him at the time but in hindsight, not so much stood out.
Nonu and SBW are more than friends, bromance industrial strength.
But the reason I wrote was to disagree with you about Nonu's recent Super involvement, the last year or two at least he seems to have been putting in the effort.
</div>
</blockquote>
 
You are rightnostrildamus, I'm a dill for expressing that in the way I did.
 
I should have said Nonu on occasion in Super Rugby does a little less than I anticipate he might - which really is a minor, subordinate thing in his outstanding career. When thinking about him yesterday League's Jonathan Thurston's occasional subdued performances at Club level came to mind and, on reflection, it is unrealistic to expect these champions to do magic every time they take the field.

DMX

I remember when there was serious debate on the fern as to whether Nonu was better than McAllister or not and this was after Nonus 2008/2009 seasons which I thought he was a standout. I think McAllister even won vote for most likely 12 at 2011 World Cup! Was a point when I thought signs of age and fatigue might be showing but seems invigorated this season looking as fast and fit as he has ever been.

gollum

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="DMX" data-cid="535785" data-time="1446034002">
<div>
I remember when there was serious debate on the fern as to whether Nonu was better than McAllister or not and this was after Nonus 2008/2009 seasons which I thought he was a standout. I think McAllister even won vote for most likely 12 at 2011 World Cup! Was a point when I thought signs of age and fatigue might be showing but seems invigorated this season looking as fast and fit as he has ever been.
</div>
</blockquote>
 
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/provincial/5452354/No-fond-farewell-for-enigmatic-Luke-McAlister'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/provincial/5452354/No-fond-farewell-for-enigmatic-Luke-McAlister</a>
 
Luke & Nonu should be shown to young guys who have huge physical talent when trying to explain what commiting yourself & being the best player you can be looks like. As opposed to being utterly disinteresed & fucking off for cash when things didn't fall your way.
 
You could use Nonu, Toeava & Luke as a great example. All big fast, exceptional physical ability. Toeava got hamstrung by the mental block, then injuries killed off what should have been a stellar 100 test career just as he seemed to have hit the switch mentally. Nonu focused 100% on his game & never say back & relied on his basic skills, he just got better & better & saw competition as a spur. And Luke... yeah...

DMX

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="gollum" data-cid="535788" data-time="1446036500"><a class="bbc_url" href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/provincial/5452354/No-fond-farewell-for-enigmatic-Luke-McAlister">http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/provincial/5452354/No-fond-farewell-for-enigmatic-Luke-McAlister</a> 
 
Luke & Nonu should be shown to young guys who have huge physical talent when trying to explain what commiting yourself & being the best player you can be looks like. As opposed to being utterly disinteresed & fucking off for cash when things didn't fall your way. 
 
You could use Nonu, Toeava & Luke as a great example. All big fast, exceptional physical ability. Toeava got hamstrung by the mental block, then injuries killed off what should have been a stellar 100 test career just as he seemed to have hit the switch mentally. Nonu focused 100% on his game & never say back & relied on his basic skills, he just got better & better & saw competition as a spur. And Luke... yeah... </blockquote>
 
Totally agree on Toeava, for me he had probably the biggest upside of any young player NZ has produced but fell short mentally and was not helped by injuries. I think the weight of expectation just crushed him.

Gary

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="DMX" data-cid="535790" data-time="1446040303">
<div>
Totally agree on Toeava, for me he had probably the biggest upside of any young player NZ has produced but fell short mentally and was not helped by injuries. I think the weight of expectation just crushed him.
</div>
</blockquote>
I was really surprised that he didn't switch to Samoa through the7's loophole (assuming he is still good). Maybe he really just doesn't like the attention

gollum

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Gary" data-cid="535793" data-time="1446049188">
<div>
I was really surprised that he didn't switch to Samoa through the7's loophole (assuming he is still good). Maybe he really just doesn't like the attention
</div>
</blockquote>
 
I got the impression he was earning good money in Japan, is only just fit & is focusing 100% on being fit for 15's in club rugby before his hip falls out his arse & he's unemployed.
 
Bit like Kahui's decision not to come back & chase the ABs for this year's cup.. Sort of "I have 107 tackles left in my shoulder, thats 3 years in Japan or 2 games for Waikato & 60 minutes for the ABs"

Kirwan

Toeava wanted to come back to the Blues but the NZRU wouldn't give him dispensation to play. Disgraceful decision.

nzzp

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Kirwan" data-cid="535807" data-time="1446057073">
<div>
Toeava wanted to come back to the Blues but the NZRU wouldn't give him dispensation to play. Disgraceful decision.
</div>
</blockquote>
 
Really? I missed this ... anything in the media about it?
 
As a Blues fan, I'd welcome him back with open arms

dejo

Where's Davidav when you need him?

rotated

Toeava was our best back on the 2010 EOYT and is the only AB I can think of with man of the match performances in three positions over his career. 
Toeava was an absolute beast by the end. SBW getting jammed into the side at any expense kind of messed things up in the end for him as a utility. 
His career was disappointing but he still reached a really high level of play in the end I think.

Victor Meldrew

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="rotated" data-cid="535812" data-time="1446058432">
<div>
 SBW getting jammed into the side at any expense kind of messed things up in the end for him as a utility. 

</div>
</blockquote>
You do have to wonder if there have been some machinations going on with SBW at the top level don't you? Certainly hope not.

dejo

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="rotated" data-cid="535812" data-time="1446058432">
<div>
Toeava was our best back on the 2010 EOYT and is the only AB I can think of with man of the match performances in three positions over his career. 
Toeava was an absolute beast by the end. SBW getting jammed into the side at any expense kind of messed things up in the end for him as a utility. 
His career was disappointing but he still reached a really high level of play in the end I think.
</div>
</blockquote>
 
While I agree with this re Toeava's utility value and performances and initially with SBW's selection, from memory I believe the utility bench spot was still up for grabs during pool play and Toeava didn't exactly do himself any favours, with question marks about his decisions under pressure (a la Nonu pre 2007). Not that SBW was especially exciting either. Have to say he's really proved me wrong this tournament, I was firmly in the Fekitoa camp, but I really do feel comfortable with him playing big games, his temperament under pressure has really shone through IMO.

kiwiinmelb

Toeava had a heap of talent , just seemed to be something missing there that prevented him from going to the next level, 
 
I tend to think it had as much to do with injuries and being swapped from position to position that didnt allow him to reach his potential , plus some dam good competition around him ,
 
 he never really got his confidence going to the level required through all the interruptions , and the AB selectors would rush him back in when he looked underdone , and that didnt seem to help things

nostrildamus

That NZRU decision-what was their reason?

KiwiMurph

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="nostrildamus" data-cid="535894" data-time="1446074242">
<div>
That NZRU decision-what was their reason?
</div>
</blockquote>
 
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/international/10456409/Isaia-Toeava-linked-to-Samoa-for-the-World-Cup'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/international/10456409/Isaia-Toeava-linked-to-Samoa-for-the-World-Cup</a>
 
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote">
 
Ironically, switching allegiance to his birth country may open the way for the man known as Ice to return to Super Rugby.
The Blues efforts to sign the talented utility came unstuck last year because he was not willing to give up his contract in Japan in order to satisfy the New Zealand Rugby Union's eligibility rules.
Toeava doesn't meet the NZRU criteria which says only players who have played 40 tests for the All Blacks or 80 Super Rugby matches can be registered as an overseas player with the NZRU.
To play for a Super Rugby team in New Zealand, players must sign up for the entire calendar year and make themselves available for a provincial side and the All Blacks.
However, Super Rugby teams are allowed to sign two overseas players, not eligible for the All Blacks.
</blockquote>

Kirwan

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="nostrildamus" data-cid="535894" data-time="1446074242">
<div>
That NZRU decision-what was their reason?
</div>
</blockquote>
 
"The Blues efforts to sign the talented utility came unstuck last year because he was not willing to give up his contract in Japan in order to satisfy the New Zealand Rugby Union's eligibility rules.
Toeava doesn't meet the NZRU criteria which says only players who have played 40 tests for the All Blacks or 80 Super Rugby matches can be registered as an overseas player with the NZRU.
To play for a Super Rugby team in New Zealand, players must sign up for the entire calendar year and make themselves available for a provincial side and the All Blacks."
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/international/10456409/Isaia-Toeava-linked-to-Samoa-for-the-World-Cup'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/international/10456409/Isaia-Toeava-linked-to-Samoa-for-the-World-Cup</a>
Consider that he's basically playing 10 these days, was only 28 when looking to come back, and the Blues had a lack of depth in that position it could have really helped us. He played 36 tests and one match, they could have made an exception for him.
Annoying when you look the exceptions made for the SBWs of the world.

KiwiMurph

Yeah between the Toeava situation, the Piutau situation and not seemingly able to step in regarding Pulu, the NZRU don't seem all that keen to help out the struggling franchise in its biggest market...

antipodean

In my mind it seemed Toeava was rushed into the crucible of Test rugby and it took a long time for him to recover. His form in RWC2011 was superb and for Auckland he was always brilliant.
 
In hindsight a pity he wasn't managed better.

The Silver Fern

Nonu