Sharks head coach JP Pietersen has hit back at the criticism following the inclusion of Ma’a Nonu in the matchday 23 to face the All Blacks.
The Durbanites host Dave Rennie’s charges at Kings Park Stadium in Durban, sporting a fresh and updated logo, but also have the services of a 100-Test-plus All Blacks legend on their bench.
Nonu is set to debut for his new employers against the team he won back-to-back Rugby World Cups with in 2011 and 2015. The all-time great centre agreed to join the Sharks in a leadership and mentorship capacity with the aim of helping the club develop the young talents in Durban, which has sparked some controversy around his selection this week.
Why Ma’a Nonu has been selected
There are many who are of the opinion that the 44-year-old’s inclusion is taking an opportunity away from a younger player in the squad who may never get the chance to face the All Blacks. However, Pietersen explains that isn’t the case and detailed why Nonu has been given the nod in the number 23 jersey.
He also praised his former RCT Toulon teammate for ‘slotting in’ so quickly at the club and how he has gone about his work since his arrival.
“His name says it all and what he has achieved. What Ma’a brings is experience; he’s been good in helping Jurenzo Julius, Litelihle Bester, and Siyaya on just how you prep and how you get yourself for a game,” Pietersen told reporters ahead of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour match.
“Obviously helping with the skill set going into a game, and I think it’s great that he’s here with us and giving our young boys just a feel of what the All Blacks may give to them, and also he’s shown them some good pictures of what they may expect.
Ma’a Nonu: All Blacks legend reveals why he has signed for the Sharks
“It’s just great for him to be around; he’s slotted in like he has been here for a long time, and the boys love him. It’s going to be an emotional game for Ma’a because I think it’s the first time he plays against the All Blacks, so it’ll be awesome to see.”
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Depleted stocks
Pietersen added that with Andre Esterhuizen and Ethan Hooker away with the Springboks, the Sharks’ centre stocks are a bit thin while there have also been injuries in pre-season.
The club are without a plethora of locks and loosehead props ahead of the fixture with the late withdrawal of Springboks forward Vincent Tshituka and Emile van Heerden rubbing salt into their wounds.
“People will be saying what it means for a younger player that’s in the system and a younger player is starting – Jurenzo – and other centres that aren’t playing are Andre Esterhuizen and Ethan Hooker, who are not available for us,” the ex-Springboks winger said.
“We have only got Murray Korster and Jurenzo standing, and that’s the reason why Ma’a is on the bench.”