Ma'a Nonu's surprise return to New Zealand rugby has helped Ngāti Porou East Coast end their 54-game losing streak.
The All Blacks centurion and one of this country's greatest midfielders suited up in the Heartland Championship on Saturday, with his presence inspiring his new team to a 50-26 thrashing of Buller in Ruatoria.
As it turned out, the East Coast side barely needed Nonu's services to register their first victory in eight years.
![Ma'a Nonu returned to rugby in the match between Ngati Porou East Coast and Buller. Photo / Getty](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/3PTCXWPHGTDZFEG3EUVCWNE66A.jpg?auth=c334b27a4005178e026536c1ba2b77893e3e0f2986dbc2015532815b774a91b9&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
The 39-year-old came off the bench in the 60th minute when the hosts were already 31 points clear at Whakarua Park, conceding a penalty with his first carry.