Off the field you never quite know which Ma'a Nonu will front. He carries a chameleon gene which creates all sorts of dynamics but on the track where it counts, Nonu has been a superb All Black.
Once he got through his difficult early years as he battled through ideas about how and where to play, he has been the rock in the backline in the most physically arduous role.
His last six years in black have been remarkable while he has not always delivered the same standards for his Super rugby sides. The All Black selectors have not been deterred because they know Nonu will not cut corners in test rugby as they have learned how to extract the best from the second five eighths.
His play is explosively robust and always puts a premium on defenders. His step and power breaks the advantage line where he has become nearly foolproof in his ability to take the tackle and recycle possession. Those carries often bend defences to create chances elsewhere.
Nonu is not all bash though. He has added so many subtle notches to his game with grubber or long kicks off either foot while his passing is swift and accurate.