Ma’a Nonu is making his presence felt at the Sharks, with coach JP Pietersen revealing how the All Blacks great has formed a close-knit group with some of Durban’s most promising young backs.
The 103-Test All Blacks centre may be one of the most experienced players in the Sharks squad, but his influence is extending well beyond what he can produce on the field.
TEAM: Sharks pick Boks for Eagles hitout
According to Pietersen, Nonu has quickly become a mentor to a group of young Sharks backs, regularly meeting them to work on skills and discuss rugby in general.
“He’s slotted in perfectly in the group,” Pietersen told the media on Thursday.
“It’s great to have him. I’m obviously mates with him, so it’s good to have him, and he can also give me feedback on my side too. They’ve got a club now. I think they meet every morning at 6:30am in the gym – Ma’a and Jurenzo [Julius], Murray Koster and Litelihle Bester,” Pietersen explained.
“They’re in the gym, they do some skills and passing and just talk about rugby.”
For Pietersen, however, it is Nonu’s knowledge of the game that could prove particularly valuable to the Sharks’ emerging backs.
“He’s been good in that space. He’s helping the young guns a lot about attacking space, understanding space, and the most important thing is about preparation. How do you prepare before you arrive at the stadium? Are you coming with a plan, or if you don’t have a plan?”
ALSO: JP outlines Sharks’ Eagles mission
The Sharks have several exciting young backs in their wider group, and Pietersen hopes exposure to a player of Nonu’s stature can accelerate their development.
“He’s challenging them and being professional. Something that’s still a learning for, I think, most of us. It’s been awesome. He’s been good to them, and I’m just thankful that we’ve got him at this stage of his career,” he said.
“Hopefully, it can rub off onto these young guns so they can become – not just become, but speed up the process of becoming – established rugby players.”
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
The post Nonu forms Sharks centres club appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Ma’a Nonu is making his presence felt at the Sharks, with coach JP Pietersen revealing how the All Blacks great has formed a close-knit group with some of Durban’s most promising young backs.
The post Nonu forms Sharks centres club appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
