1031 Ma’a Nonu

The explosive Ma’a Nonu has built a reputation as one of the toughest marks in world rugby, able to break the line, off-load the ball and set up or score scintillating tries.

A broken arm during the 2014 Investec Rugby Championship campaign brought his season to an end but his rugby thrived after the long enforced rest as well as being back in Wellington and Nonu had a stellar season back at the Hurricanes, after three seasons away, showing off both his devastating defence and attacking swagger.

He took his game to new heights and earned nominations as both an IRB and New Zealand Player of the Year. One of the seasoned campaigners of New Zealand rugby, Nonu is a Super Rugby centurion, made his provincial debut in 2002 and has also turned out for the Junior All Blacks and New Zealand Sevens.

He continued his development into a world class centre in 2010, playing ten tests as well as playing a pivotal role in the All Blacks come from behind win against the Springboks in Soweto.

He played his 100th Super Rugby game in 2011, with another solid season for the Hurricanes.

In 2012, Nonu will play for three-time champions the Blues.

The explosive, some would say flamboyant Nonu has built a reputation as one of the toughest marks in world rugby, able to break the line, off-load the ball and set up or score scintillating tries.

Though he played mostly in the No 13 jersey for the Hurricanes during the Rebel Sport Super 14 in 2006, Nonu is equally comfortable at second five-eighths, where his distribution and kicking skills continue to improve.

He is a powerful runner and has carved himself a niche as a huge impact player for the All Blacks coaching staff.