Ma’a Nonu earns Sharks player-of-the-match honour despite heavy All Blacks defeat

Ma’a Nonu was named the Sharks’ player of the match by KickOff Rugby after the New Zealand side suffered a 54-0 defeat by the All Blacks in Durban.

The Sharks had competed well during the opening half but went into the interval 14-0 behind. New Zealand then took complete control after the break, scoring six tries to finish the second match of their Greatest Rivalry Tour with another emphatic victory.

The result gives the All Blacks two wins from two on the tour and provides momentum before their four-Test series against the Springboks.

Selecting the outstanding Sharks player in such a one-sided contest was difficult. Emmanuel Tshituka worked tirelessly, Bradley Davids supplied some sharp service at scrum-half, and several of the younger players showed flashes of promise during the match.

However, KickOff Rugby gave its award to Nonu, who entered the game with about 15 minutes remaining and immediately brought intensity to the contest.

The 44-year-old made a number of strong tackles and repeatedly carried the ball into the defensive line. On one occasion, he powered through and collided with Ruben Love. The All Blacks fly-half eventually managed to bring the veteran centre down, but only after holding on as Nonu drove forward.

Nonu’s brief appearance demonstrated the physical commitment required to compete at international level, despite his age. His impact was not limited to his work in open play, though.

He also enhanced his standing with a solo haka response to New Zealand’s traditional Maori war cry, an episode that left Kings Park buzzing and counted heavily in his favour when the Sharks’ award was considered.

The former All Blacks player was described as a consummate professional and is expected to provide valuable experience for the Sharks’ younger players during the upcoming United Rugby Championship campaign.

For the Sharks, the second half proved especially punishing. Having remained within reach at half-time, they were unable to prevent New Zealand from breaking the game open after the interval, with the All Blacks’ six tries turning a 14-point deficit into a 54-0 result.

New Zealand’s performance underlined the gap between the two sides as the All Blacks completed their second victory of the Greatest Rivalry Tour. Their attention will now turn to the four-Test series against the Springboks, while the Sharks will look to the experience of players such as Nonu as they prepare for the United Rugby Championship.