Coach full of praise for Nonu

Hurricanes coach Colin Cooper believes Ma'a Nonu has come of age as a winger in the Rebel Sport Super 12.

The charging former midfielder scored three of the Hurricanes seven tries on Saturday night against the Brumbies.

Cooper says Nonu has clearly tempered his natural instincts.

He says he used to creep in too much and move away from his position, but those sorts of things are now coming as second nature, and Nonu has always been able to beat an opposite one on one.

Nonu has helped the Hurricanes into third place with two rounds left, including a big showdown against the Blues on Friday night.

Tana Umaga will play his 100th Super 12 game.

- NEWSTALK ZB