All Blacks: Nonu influence compared to Umaga

All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith says Ma'a Nonu's form and leadership is comparable to former captain Tana Umaga. Photo / Getty Images

The growing influence of Ma'a Nonu has prompted All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith to deliver the ultimate rugby comparison.

Smith said Nonu's form and his leadership had the hallmarks of former captain Tana Umaga, who led his country in 21 of 74 tests and earned enormous mana among the All Blacks before his retirement in 2005.

Umaga was a mentor to Nonu in the Wellington and Hurricanes backline but Smith believed the 27-year-old was now a respected figure in his own right.

Nonu enjoyed a breakthrough international season last year, continued his form with a competition-leading nine tries in the Super 14 and was outstanding against France in Wellington last Saturday, extending his tryscoring streak in consecutive tests to five.

Smith wasn't surprised by Nonu's form, saying it reflected his soaring confidence and 35-test status, which gave him the authority to drive teammates.

"He's hard on players, he's become Tana-like in that respect," Smith said.

"He'll peer coach, he'll keep the standards high.

"The consequence of that is that we've seen his performance go up."

Nonu's career is well ahead of Umaga's at the same age. When Umaga was 27, he had played just 17 tests in three years.

Nonu's debut was six years ago and only now had he ironed out his chinks both on and off the field.

"He's got himself into the best physical condition of his life - the measurements tell us that," Smith said.

"Everything he's doing is spot on."

Nonu is reunited with centre Isaia Toeava, who is near the other end of the confidence scale.

Toeava was dropped after a flat outing in the first test loss to France in Dunedin and gets a chance to make amends courtesy of injury to centre Conrad Smith.

Wayne Smith said it was time for the 23-year-old to accept the extra challenge of test rugby above and beyond Super 14, where he was a dominant performer for the Blues this year.

"We're trying to get him to that position where he feels he can contribute just like he does at the Blues," Smith said.

"(But) At some point you've got to stand up for yourself and it's his time on Saturday night."

Smith pointed to Toeava's electric display at fullback against Australia at Hong Kong last year - unquestionably the best of his 23 tests - for proof he can handle the big time.

- NZPA