Rugby: Boyd keeps Nonu expectations in check

Ma'a Nonu will start against the Bulls for the Hurricanes. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd isn't expecting miracles from Ma'a Nonu when the talented second-five makes his return for the franchise against the Bulls in Pretoria on Saturday.

Nonu was moved on from his home team in 2011 when former coach Mark Hammett tried to stamp his mark on the side, which left Nonu to bounce around between the Blues and the Highlanders for the past three season.

The All Black veteran yearned for one last year in the capital and when Boyd was given the coaching reins, he had no problem contacting Nonu and getting him on board.
Nonu hasn't played since he broke his arm during a test match against South Africa in September, which meant he missed last year's Northern Hemisphere tour with the All Blacks but got an extended pre-season with the Hurricanes.

"My expectation of him is not high," Boyd said. "I think he'll be really keen just to do his core roles really well and see how many minutes we can work through."

Nonu is one of only two changes to the Hurricanes' starting side that beat the Lions 22-8 in Johannesburg in last week's season-opener. Openside flanker Callum Gibbins has swapped with Ardie Savea who moves to the bench.

"It's really about workloads and horses for courses," Boyd said of the switch.

Boyd said Rey Lee-Lo, who started at second-five for the Hurricanes against the Lions, took a knock to his hip in last week's game, which meant he was unable to take a spot on the bench on Saturday.

Nonu missed the game against the Lions as he awaited the birth of his third child but he said he was ready for his 145th Super Rugby outing on Saturday.

"I've found my return to Hurricanes [has been] pretty good," Nonu said. "I loved the pre-season and [I'm] pretty much looking forward to wearing the jersey and playing with my brothers.

"I feel pretty good physically. I've had a long break. I had a good pre-season and had a good January. So I've got a lot to play for, especially my family, being a father to another son."

Meeting the Bulls at Loftus is an intimidating place to play at the best of times and Nonu hasn't had the luxury of a pre-season hit-out to work off the ring rust.

"I've just got to back myself, really," he said. "I've played for a long time and believe I can get the job done. I'm just raring to go."

Nonu will pair with his long-time midfield mate Conrad Smith as part of a dangerous Hurricanes backline that is laced with All Blacks, including Beauden Barrett, Julian Savea and Cory Jane.

Having the likes of forwards Ardie Savea and Victor Vito on the bench should allow them to finish with a flourish too.