The All Blacks react to Ma’a Nonu being named to face them on Tuesday
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The return.
The All Blacks are preparing for what captain Patrick Tuipulotu has described as a “spectacle” when they take on the Sharks and Ma’a Nonu in Durban on Tuesday.
It will be New Zealand’s second fixture of their Greatest Rivalry tour after opening with a 38-21 victory over the Stormers in Cape Town on Friday.
Much of the attention ahead of the clash has centred on the inclusion of All Blacks legend Nonu in the Sharks’ matchday squad.
The 44-year-old, who only arrived in Durban earlier this week after joining the Sharks in a player-mentor role, has been named among the replacements and is in line to face his former international teammates.
His selection came as a surprise to Tuipulotu, who captained the All Blacks in the win over the Stormers.
“I didn’t expect him to be named,” Tuipulotu said.
“I’m certainly looking forward to it. A lot of the boys know him and are close to him.
“It’s no secret how long he’s played. His career has been this long because he is a true professional of the game and he has been blessed to keep playing.
“I think it will be quite the spectacle to see him against us, and we will certainly look forward to that.
“I might catch up with him midweek and give him a jab or two.”
