Source: RNZ
All Black great Ma’a Nonu said he sought the advice of the All Blacks before deciding to perform a haka against them.
Nonu was named on the Sharks bench for the second game of the All Blacks tour of South Africa and while he came on in the second half, his most memorable contribution was possibly before the game.
After facing the All Blacks haka, Nonu, who played 103 tests for the All Blacks, then performed his own.
The 44-year-old said he initially said no when the Sharks asked him about doing it the night before the game.
“I didn’t want it to be about me, being on the bench and my history with the team, I wanted it to be about the All Blacks and the Sharks and the great rivalry,” Nonu told Sky Sport.
The veteran said he spoke to All Blacks staff about it.
“I spoke to Tana (Umaga) and Tamati (Ellison) for permission in terms of doing it out of respect on behalf of our team, myself and my family.
“I felt it was the right thing to do to answer the boys and the All Blacks.”
Nonu got to play the last 20 minutes of the game, which the All Blacks won 54-0, but didn’t have many opportunities in a game that the All Blacks dominated.
“The All Blacks opened up in the last 30 minutes and I was chasing my tail, but fair credit to them, they’re improving so all the best to the brothers in the next game and can’t wait to see them play.”
Nonu has joined the Sharks on a short-term contract in mainly a coaching and mentoring role as they prepare for the Currie Cup competition.