Probably the best story Arc I’ve ever seen from a player. Was rough, hard headed, Ill disciplined in his early years, became a refined, well rounded LEGENDARY 12. The speed, strength, Clutch, vision, kick, and one of the best passes ever. He’s the greatest 12 in rugby history in my books. Had it all.
@Chris jauzion was exceptional, but I think nonu was a shade better at his best. Tim Horan for me is the best 12 in the modern era. If I was ranking all time centres, it would be as follows: 1. Brian O’Driscoll 2. Philippe Sella 3. Tim Horan 4. Danie Gerber 5. Jerry Guscott 6. Frank Bunce 7. Ma’a Nonu 8. Mike Gibson 9. Bruce Robertson 10. Conrad Smith HM: Umaga, Jauzion, Joe Stanley, Greenwood, Fourie, Gibbs
Just such a destructive, unstoppable, force when at full tilt. His tries against Australia in 2011 and 2015, were iconic. Nonu and Conrad Smith were superb and so deceptive and smart. The best mid-field pairing of all time. Horan and Little were good, but Nonu and Smith simply tore teams apart. Nonu just kept getting better and better. SBW arriving on the scene saw him step up his game to a new level. You could argue Nonu, was the best 2nd Five of all time pretty convincingly. He's definitely one of the great centres no doubt.
Ma'anonu was unreal, powerful, great fluency, could read the game well, fast, passionate, commited, driven and just so natrually gifted and talented that he was an absolute pleasure to watch... I'll go as far to say that for me he's one of new zealands best ever players, note i say one of, as i know new zealand have alot of great players in history....
The only problem with this video is that it didnt showcase his deft passing and kicks which made him one of the most complete players out there. He aged like fine wine
Best 12 ive ever seen. Probably best known for his brutal power (and the odd shoulder) but his passing and kicking game were really exquisite in the later years
Ranger and fruean were the best midfielders in nz from around 2009 onwards but never got the chances like nonu and smith. everyone in nz watching itm cup and super rugby around then knew they shouldve been the abs midfield . the best midfielders I've seen more skilful and dangerous than nonu easssy haha
@@peacepeace01 You honesty must be delusional if you think that, Ranger had his chance to make himself a regular AB but he wasn't up to standard and all Fruean could do is catch the ball and run in a straight line and maybe break a tackle every 1/5 goes. Nonu and Smith were both All Blacks for over 10 years, that wasn't because they were average mate.
He left the abs at his peak. Could of still been a ab for a few more years. Became the complete package in his final few years in the black shirt. Simply the best in his position
Wadaplaya - Amazing! Great man too - Humble and friendly. The Wallabies would have been sick at the sight of Nonu crossing the try line - He loved scoring against them!
I have two favourite players whom I just never tire of watching - Ma'a Nonu and Sean O'Brien (Ma'a Nonu, there is no substitute, peerless - SOB there is no substitute, peerless). Sad that Ma'a None is retired and SOB is struggling with injury but my God, they are human wrecking balls on the pitch.
It is so very great to see the joy and sincerity in the faces of this marvellous team - of ANY year. Like Jonah Lomu said that it is all about ETJ (Enhance The Jersey). What a great way for humility and hunger to be the king. Love from Canada, ~Amrit
Remmber nonu having a bad super rugby season nd still gt picked in the abs, it became a normal thing fr him koz he would be unstopable as soon as he wore the black jersey
milner skudder is shit under the High ball habana showed him how its done, nonu was a close second but he eventually got nz player of the year after the rwc so same same
BEST ALL BLACKS #12 EVER.......Nonu and Conrad Smith are the best MIDFIELD combo in All Blacks History to date until a new breed comes along. SOLIIIIIIIID.
Hard to say that when the All Blacks were dominated in almost every facet against England. We still had more metres and line breaks. So I doubt Nonu would have had more of an impact on that game. Esp when Curry, Underhill and Itoje put on a masterclass in turnovers. And an English game plan so fast and precise that Nonu with all his defensive prowess can’t stop. We’ll never know exactly, but I’m seriously annoyed at couch All Blacks selectors who think their two cents is greater than Hansen and the selectors.
All Blacks were missing brute strength and got bullied all over the park. Nonu is brute strength and would have sat Tuilagi on his arse had he been on the field, not to mention experience and guidance. Look how he smashed Brown during the super rugby season, he still had it.
Dane Smith The All Blacks were missing everything. Even when they won the collisions, they couldn’t capitalize on fast ball because England were so disruptive. That loss was multi-faceted, not a product of just losing the physical game
His passing, reading oppositions game amd kicking was as good as his offence however those aspects werent often recognised enough because his line breaking and offence was superior
How the French and Aussies must have dreaded lining up against him! And about half those tries had DC manipulating the D to allow Nonu to do the damage. Great growth and development over the years. Didn’t allow the disappointments and set backs get in his way to becoming a legendary mid fielder!
Breakfast, a cup of coffee and twenty minutes of Nonu. Not a bad way to get the day going. PS 11:27 Something to warm the hearts of New Zealanders: Richie McCaw sitting Quade Cooper on his arse. 20:08 Kepu taking Milner-Skudder around the neck, then giving his face the finger nail treatment. Kepu had a good game in the Final: he got penalised for a high tackle on Carter, took Milner-Skudder high - worth at least a yellow card - tried to take McCaw's head off from behind with a swinging arm, then stuck a knee into McCaw when he was lying on the ground after Pocock has scored. The kindest thing I can say about the fat bastard is he's not the cleanest player who ever pulled on a rugby jersey.
Watch scum bag Kefu's high 'head lock' tackle then face rake of Milner-Skudder at 20:09 - 20:12. Even the commentator noted it. Kefu only let go when Carter cleared him out.
In that World Cup final against Australia, Nonu had a brilliant game. Kepu from Australia lost that game for Australia. He was only intent on hurting the All blacks. High tackles on Maccaw, Carter and the face gouging on Milniskadder showed what a dirty player he was.
I don't think we're going to see the world class pairing of nonu and Smith for a while. Sadly nz rugby depth is not as impressive as what it was, and players are being lost to European clubs to early
Probably the best story Arc I’ve ever seen from a player. Was rough, hard headed, Ill disciplined in his early years, became a refined, well rounded LEGENDARY 12. The speed, strength, Clutch, vision, kick, and one of the best passes ever. He’s the greatest 12 in rugby history in my books. Had it all.
Completely agree. Couldn't believe how skilled he became. Also great defensively - a legend
great defender also.. good decision maker
i rekon he was great" but defence it got better" not best for me but dam good
Hands down
Till he ran into Manu Tuilagi.
How I hated this bloke..
And what a treasure he was!!
True rugby legend!
Thanks for this!
Simply the Best 12 of his Generation. Simply the Best.
He plays wing when he was young fella
You spelled "of all time" incorrect there mate. No one comes even close
@Chris WHO?!!!!!!
@Chris jauzion was exceptional, but I think nonu was a shade better at his best. Tim Horan for me is the best 12 in the modern era. If I was ranking all time centres, it would be as follows:
1. Brian O’Driscoll
2. Philippe Sella
3. Tim Horan
4. Danie Gerber
5. Jerry Guscott
6. Frank Bunce
7. Ma’a Nonu
8. Mike Gibson
9. Bruce Robertson
10. Conrad Smith
HM: Umaga, Jauzion, Joe Stanley, Greenwood, Fourie, Gibbs
Just such a destructive, unstoppable, force when at full tilt. His tries against Australia in 2011 and 2015, were iconic. Nonu and Conrad Smith were superb and so deceptive and smart. The best mid-field pairing of all time. Horan and Little were good, but Nonu and Smith simply tore teams apart. Nonu just kept getting better and better. SBW arriving on the scene saw him step up his game to a new level. You could argue Nonu, was the best 2nd Five of all time pretty convincingly. He's definitely one of the great centres no doubt.
Uy
Watching this in 2022 really hits hard seeing how much the all blacks midfield has suffered without him
Laumape
Ma'anonu was unreal, powerful, great fluency, could read the game well, fast, passionate, commited, driven and just so natrually gifted and talented that he was an absolute pleasure to watch... I'll go as far to say that for me he's one of new zealands best ever players, note i say one of, as i know new zealand have alot of great players in history....
The only problem with this video is that it didnt showcase his deft passing and kicks which made him one of the most complete players out there. He aged like fine wine
Very true , he became the complete package
the man was simply the best. respect from SA
Ma’a Nonu was the best #12 in the world and always will be....🙌🏽
NZs midfield hasn't really been the same since Nonu and Smith
Fully Agree. Impossible task to replace Nonu. Closest replacement was Ngani Laumape
Best 12 ive ever seen. Probably best known for his brutal power (and the odd shoulder) but his passing and kicking game were really exquisite in the later years
Ranger and fruean were the best midfielders in nz from around 2009 onwards but never got the chances like nonu and smith. everyone in nz watching itm cup and super rugby around then knew they shouldve been the abs midfield . the best midfielders I've seen more skilful and dangerous than nonu easssy haha
peace peace it’s cup is a long way off all blacks level, and you’re wrong
Kiwis like to forward pass
@@peacepeace01 You honesty must be delusional if you think that, Ranger had his chance to make himself a regular AB but he wasn't up to standard and all Fruean could do is catch the ball and run in a straight line and maybe break a tackle every 1/5 goes. Nonu and Smith were both All Blacks for over 10 years, that wasn't because they were average mate.
I agree the best 12 ever
The greatest 12 of all time. The greatest centre of all time.
no one will ever replace Ma'a as a player as a man as a father x
One of the finest Samoans to play the game young Ma'a reminds me of a young Manu Tuilagi 🇼🇸🇼🇸
Dee Mighty the greatest number 12 of all time - Nonu
@@styledrudeboy8312 agreed 👌
Ma'a Nonu is a wrecking machine. Teams in the world cup are glad that they wont see him there.
He started as a wrecking ball, then over time developed into a more rounded player , particularly his distribution skills
Nonu is definitely one of the many greats in the game. Simply lovely from west Auckland n.z
man we miss maa one of the best center in world rugby
Best update that comment since Ma'a came back ;)
@@ItzCoopzFtw hardout
Well we are lucky because he plays for the blues in Super Rugby
He left the abs at his peak. Could of still been a ab for a few more years. Became the complete package in his final few years in the black shirt. Simply the best in his position
He runs some great lines and always with wrecking ball intent. One of the most destructive runners in the game.
Wadaplaya - Amazing! Great man too - Humble and friendly. The Wallabies would have been sick at the sight of Nonu crossing the try line - He loved scoring against them!
You always knew Ma'a would at least break 2 or more tackles every time he had the ball always got us over the game line
Anyone else notice the amount of try assists from Joe Rokocoko in this vid lol. Nonu was our last best 12, It's what we're missing atm.
The best backline ever. Maa and Conrad
Smith is another of the all-time greats.
Nonu and Smith, the best center pair of all time.
I agree , no nation had a better pairing , and they were so consistent for so long
facts, their chemistry on and off the field were unmatched!!
Nonu and sonny
@@bobb180 😂😂😂 what a knob!
Jacque Fourie and Jean de Villiers
Great player . Power and speed . A legend
All these great players have retired...
Really miss watching them all.😔😔😔
I have two favourite players whom I just never tire of watching - Ma'a Nonu and Sean O'Brien (Ma'a Nonu, there is no substitute, peerless - SOB there is no substitute, peerless). Sad that Ma'a None is retired and SOB is struggling with injury but my God, they are human wrecking balls on the pitch.
Thanx Real Rugby!!! Great highlights of one of the best midfielders ever to play the game!!! You have my sub & support...
Thanks for the support mate! Much appreciated
everyone love Maa for his rasta style and his warrior specific game. he is a Predator center in the world.
Best inside centre of all time
It is so very great to see the joy and sincerity in the faces of this marvellous team - of ANY year. Like Jonah Lomu said that it is all about ETJ (Enhance The Jersey). What a great way for humility and hunger to be the king.
Love from Canada,
~Amrit
Damn he was properly quick back in the day
The 57 dislikes are from the other rugby playing nations who had to face him 🤣💪
obviously england lol
Definitely in my best ever 15,along with 14 other Mighty All Blacks.
Another legendary All Black. Devastating for any opposition. ABs 10, 11, 12 are the GOATS
Remmber nonu having a bad super rugby season nd still gt picked in the abs, it became a normal thing fr him koz he would be unstopable as soon as he wore the black jersey
too good maa the best center in world rugby
Yeah
He should have won player of the tournament in 2015.
😉
who won that award ?
Dan Carter, who played well. But imo Nonu was the best player over the tournament followed by Tim Nanai-Williams for Samoa.
Nah skudder was better haha nonu didnt deserve his position the last few years in abs so much better talent wasted to the old abs players
milner skudder is shit under the High ball habana showed him how its done, nonu was a close second but he eventually got nz player of the year after the rwc so same same
BEST ALL BLACKS #12 EVER.......Nonu and Conrad Smith are the best MIDFIELD combo in All Blacks History to date until a new breed comes along. SOLIIIIIIIID.
Hansen may well live to regret not taking Nonu to the 2019 RWC
Nonu retired from international rugby and left the all blacks in 2015.
@@joeykinley2122 true, but he did make himself available for selection for 2019 RWC, and was eligible having played 2019 season for the Blues
Hard to say that when the All Blacks were dominated in almost every facet against England. We still had more metres and line breaks. So I doubt Nonu would have had more of an impact on that game. Esp when Curry, Underhill and Itoje put on a masterclass in turnovers. And an English game plan so fast and precise that Nonu with all his defensive prowess can’t stop.
We’ll never know exactly, but I’m seriously annoyed at couch All Blacks selectors who think their two cents is greater than Hansen and the selectors.
All Blacks were missing brute strength and got bullied all over the park. Nonu is brute strength and would have sat Tuilagi on his arse had he been on the field, not to mention experience and guidance. Look how he smashed Brown during the super rugby season, he still had it.
Dane Smith The All Blacks were missing everything. Even when they won the collisions, they couldn’t capitalize on fast ball because England were so disruptive. That loss was multi-faceted, not a product of just losing the physical game
What a legend
The complete centre!!
One of the most Aptly named rugby players ever.
ノヌ―のフォローランは天下一品
Steve Hanson's only mistake as a coach was not selecting Ma'a for the last world cup squad.
Ya'asiEL Nonu did not deserve to be in the squad tf
MKM2K5 Beyotch and crotty did?
Very true nonu is a big game player and always rises to the occasion no matter his form at club level...
@@deevita7459 exactly he had a lot of young players in there should've at least add a bit of experience midfield
Not starting Sam cane in the semi against England was really bad
Man I forgot how Good explosive and elusive he was 🙌🇼🇸🇼🇸🇼🇸
HAHA... The absolute happiness of Steve Hansen after the try at 15:48
One of the Greats
yer he was great, solid fulla great balance" very hard to stop when hes picked his line"
If only sbw had hearty like this
Hes the best to ever wear the all blacks 12 jersey..
He was mean. Always loved the lines he ran, hard, strong & straight.
Absolute beast. Him and Conrad Smith definitely the best centres pairing of all time ahead of Horan and Little.
His passing, reading oppositions game amd kicking was as good as his offence however those aspects werent often recognised enough because his line breaking and offence was superior
Nonu will is back for japan 19 go nonu lets go champ 3rd title up for grab smash the super rugby get that all black call lets go
awesome video bro!
How the French and Aussies must have dreaded lining up against him! And about half those tries had DC manipulating the D to allow Nonu to do the damage. Great growth and development over the years. Didn’t allow the disappointments and set backs get in his way to becoming a legendary mid fielder!
Tana Umaga and Ma'a Nonu. NZ is spoiled with talent. This list goes on...
The All Blacks is my favourite team in rugby alongside spring boks of South Africa by Steve Irungu Jermaine
Nonu whacking Kurtley Beale makes me excited every time
Always outstanding in black. My all time 12
2015 rugby world cup last match....without Ma'a Nonu all blacks can't win that final match...
thats me at 11:51 holding my beer in my Grey Shirt !
haha proud moment
w o a h
Oh wow luck you🙌🙌🙌
Are you still evading Covi19 like Ma’a? l hope.💪🏾💪🏾
Good try mate. That is Dan Carter's dad. Muppet.
Dan Carter @ 18:34...what a genius! Brilliant!
He got better when he realised how good the blues are when he played with them. Blues fo life
Maanonu still the man awesome, he's coming back.
GOAT
Whats the song at 15:15
NZ have not replaced Nonu-Smith tandem...it was such a mainstay for so long the drop off has been huge...
5:53 man what pace for a big fella
Name of song at 15:10 please bros
What song? There is no song at 15:10...?
What a player
Is there a video of his best runs? Id rather watch that then mostly boring tries, i wanna see him running over people.
My 12 👑
I’d forgotten how good he was.
Breakfast, a cup of coffee and twenty minutes of Nonu. Not a bad way to get the day going.
PS 11:27 Something to warm the hearts of New Zealanders: Richie McCaw sitting Quade Cooper on his arse.
20:08 Kepu taking Milner-Skudder around the neck, then giving his face the finger nail treatment. Kepu had a good game in the Final: he got penalised for a high tackle on Carter, took Milner-Skudder high - worth at least a yellow card - tried to take McCaw's head off from behind with a swinging arm, then stuck a knee into McCaw when he was lying on the ground after Pocock has scored. The kindest thing I can say about the fat bastard is he's not the cleanest player who ever pulled on a rugby jersey.
Interesting to see how many half-backs the All Blacks had over the period that Nonu was there. From Marshall through to Smith, 5 or 6.
Good video
One of the greats
Watch scum bag Kefu's high 'head lock' tackle then face rake of Milner-Skudder at 20:09 - 20:12. Even the commentator noted it. Kefu only let go when Carter cleared him out.
wtf is that neck lock by the aussie at 20:08
Mr Consistent!
6:55 Keven (High Rev Kev) Mealamu
but the greatest work was made by Antony Boric
In that World Cup final against Australia, Nonu had a brilliant game. Kepu from Australia lost that game for Australia. He was only intent on hurting the All blacks. High tackles on Maccaw, Carter and the face gouging on Milniskadder showed what a dirty player he was.
As a Saffa, I always stresses when Nonu had the ball. Terrifying player.
geeze he was good
Omg bring back nonu pleaas
They shouldn´t have allowed that many predators in one team
A beast indeed.
Friday ngt - December 10, 2021.
best centre in the world
The GREATEST ALL BLACKS No 12.
I don't think we're going to see the world class pairing of nonu and Smith for a while. Sadly nz rugby depth is not as impressive as what it was, and players are being lost to European clubs to early
When Habana used to score he was referred to as "opportunist" and now Ma'a's is "incredible "
Nonu is better tho
I agree but Habana was "incredible" too.
Nonu was a great opportunist, too. That's what rugby brains are for.
did he ground it though?
is nonu still playing
ノヌーがウイングで出ていたという事実
Mi Centró favorito
1:00 Triple6 on the score card
hes like a high speed tow truck and still playing
Nonu is what you get when you create a player and max out all his stats.
"He was quite short and stocky" - what do you mean by short? he is 1.82m
the average rugby player is 6"2 and nonu's only 5"11
@@actimeladdict2564 iam 173. how to grow taller
Only short relative to the others in the team.