Umaga has sympathy for Nonu

It has been a tough week for Wellington midfielder Ma'a Nonu.

Nonu was one of several Wellington players guilty of missing one on one tackles in last week's big Air New Zealand Cup loss to Waikato, and has copped a bit of criticism in the past few days.

Nonu has also been moved from the midfield to the wing for tomorrow night's match against Otago at Carisbrook .

Tana Umaga has taken over at second five but says Nonu has worked hard to put last week's "hiccup" behind him. He says Nonu is obviously a bit despondent but he can not do anything more, other than rectify it and move on.

Umaga says having all four current All Blacks in the team has given them a lift.

However, Umaga is disappointed at the lack of crowd support. The former All Black captain says all players love playing in a big crowd atmosphere.

Umaga says he understands that people now have a far greater choice as to what rugby they can watch, and there is not much the players can do except go out there and play the game.

- NEWSTALK ZB