Nonu poised to face the All Blacks in Durban
Sensational return for the two-time Rugby World Cup winner
All Blacks great Ma’a Nonu will line up in the Sharks matchday squad after being named on the bench for the second match of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour in Durban.
The 44-year-old has been included in the No.23 jersey for the clash at Kings Park, just weeks after joining the Sharks environment.
Nonu played 103 Tests for the All Blacks between 2003 and 2015 and was a key member of the Rugby World Cup-winning sides in 2011 and 2015.
His move to Durban was initially announced as part of a high-performance mentorship programme, with Nonu working alongside Sharks coach and former Springbok JP Pietersen to help develop the club’s next generation. He has remained available to play and is now part of the Sharks squad to face the country he represented for more than a decade.
WATCH: The ultimate Ma'a Nonu try compilation for the All Blacks
Sharks name strong side to face the All Blacks
The Sharks have named a blend of youth and experience for the match. No.8 Nick Hatton will captain the side, while two-time Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok Vincent Koch starts at tighthead prop.
The All Blacks head to Durban following a 38-21 victory over the DHL Stormers in Cape Town to open their Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour.
The scores were locked at 14-14 during the second half before the All Blacks pulled away in the closing stages at DHL Stadium.
The Sharks encounter is the second match of the tour and will be played at Kings Park at 7pm on Tuesday 11 August local time, 5am Wednesday 12 August NZT.
The tour is the All Blacks’ first full-scale tour of South Africa since 1996.
Hollywoodbets Sharks team v All Blacks
15 Zekhethelo Siyaya
14 Donovan Don
13 Jurenzo Julius
12 Murray Koster
11 Litelihle Bester
10 Vusi Moyo
9 Bradley Davids
8 Nick Hatton (c)
7 Manu Tshituka
6 Phepsi Buthelezi
5 Emile van Heerden
4 Hendre Stassen
3 Vincent Koch
2 Eduan Swart
1 Nemo Roelofse
Replacements: 16 Liam van Wyk, 17 Rambo Kubekha, 18 Simphiwe Ngobese, 19 Vincent Tshituka, 20 Matt Romao, 21 Ivan van Zyl, 22 Luan Giliomee, 23 Ma’a Nonu.
All Blacks v Hollywoodbets Sharks Match Details
Venue: Kings Park, Durban
Kick-off: 7pm Tuesday SAST / 5am Wednesday NZT
Referee: Matthew Carley (England)
Assistant referees: Karl Dickson (England), Hollie Davidson (Scotland)
TMO: Mike Adamson (Scotland)
FPRO: Andrew Jackson (England)
