Ma’a Nonu set to face the All Blacks after shock move confirmed
Rugby NewsFriday, 07 August 2026 at 15:25
All Blacks legend Ma'a Nonu has been named on the Sharks bench for Tuesday's clash with the All Blacks, in what is expected to be the final time he is involved in a match featuring his former side.
While he will be lining up against the All Blacks rather than wearing the famous black jersey, it will still be a fitting farewell appearance involving his country, and he is expected to be recognised in some way.
Nonu played a key role in New Zealand's Rugby World Cup triumphs in 2011 and 2015, becoming one of only 45 players to win the Webb Ellis Cup on more than one occasion.
Regarded as one of the finest centres the game has produced, he remains one of rugby union's most celebrated players.
The 44-year-old recently departed Toulon after becoming the oldest player to both appear and score a try in Top 14 history before joining the South African side.
Now working under head coach JP Pietersen, Nonu has taken on a mentoring role with the Sharks, helping guide the club's younger players and "accelerate the development of the next generation of players," as the club stated.
However, he has shown there is still plenty left in the tank. Nonu played 11 Top 14 matches for Toulon last season and scored three tries.
The All Blacks' tour features four headline Tests against Rassie Erasmus' Springboks, as well as matches against South African franchises, including the Sharks on August 11.
Named as the Sharks' replacement number 23, Nonu is expected to get game time from the bench. The New Zealand great will no doubt be eager to make a winning start under Dave Rennie in his first appearance for the Sharks.
Sharks XV – 15 Zekhethelo Siyaya, 14 Donovan Don, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Murray Koster, 11 Litelihle Bester, 10 Vusi Moyo, 9 Bradley Davids, 8 Nick Hatton (c), 7 Emmanuel Tshituka, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Hendrè Stassen, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Eduan Swart, 1 Nemo Roelofse.
Replacements: 16 Liam van Wyk, 17 Rambo Kubekha, 18 Simphiwe Ngobese, 19 Vincent Tshituka, 20 Matt Romao, 21 Ivan van Zyl, 22 Luan Giliomee, 23 Ma’a Nonu.
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All Blacks Handed NIGHTMARE Route to 2027 Rugby World Cup Final
The All Blacks have been handed a potentially brutal route to the 2027 Rugby World Cup final after being drawn alongside hosts Australia in one of the tournament’s toughest pools.
With the competition expanding to 24 teams and introducing a Round of 16 for the first time, New Zealand can already map out their possible path to the Webb Ellis Cup — and it is packed with danger.
Pool A: A Trans-Tasman Showdown
New Zealand have been drawn in Pool A with Australia, creating one of the marquee clashes of the group stage. The All Blacks and Wallabies are expected to battle for top spot, with the pool winner earning a potentially more favourable route through the knockout stages.
Under the tournament format, the top two teams from each pool automatically qualify for the Round of 16, while the four best third-placed teams across all pools also advance.
For New Zealand, the objective will be simple: finish first in Pool A.
Round of 16: A Third-Placed Opponent Awaits
If the All Blacks top Pool A, they will face one of the tournament's best third-placed teams in the Round of 16.
Based on the draw, that opponent would come from Pools C, E or F. Possible challengers could include:
- Samoa, USA or Japan (Pool E)
- Wales or Tonga (Pool F)
- One of the emerging contenders from Pool C
On paper, this should represent a manageable first knockout assignment for New Zealand.
Quarter-Final: Potential Clash with South Africa
The bracket reveals the first major obstacle on New Zealand's path.
Should the All Blacks win Pool A and progress through the Round of 16, they are likely to face the winner of Pool B in the quarter-finals. Defending champions South Africa are overwhelming favourites to top that group, which also contains Italy, Georgia and Romania.
That means the Rugby Championship rivals could be set for another World Cup knockout classic, with the Springboks standing between New Zealand and the final four.
Given South Africa's recent dominance and World Cup pedigree, many observers view this as one of the most anticipated potential quarter-finals of the tournament.
Semi-Final: France Looms Large
If New Zealand overcome South Africa, the likely semi-final opponent would emerge from the opposite side of the bracket containing Pool E.
France are strong favourites to win Pool E, which also includes Japan, Samoa and the United States.
Les Bleus are expected to navigate their side of the draw and could set up a blockbuster semi-final against the All Blacks. A meeting between two of world rugby's most talented squads would undoubtedly be one of the highlights of the tournament.
Potential Final Opponents
Should New Zealand reach the final, several heavyweight nations could await.
The opposite half of the draw is expected to be led by:
- Ireland
- Scotland
- Argentina
- England
England's route appears favourable if they top Pool F, while Ireland and Scotland will again meet in the pool stage before potentially making deep runs into the knockout rounds.
Argentina, meanwhile, remain one of the dark horses after their impressive performances in recent World Cups.
Predicted Route to the Final
Assuming the major nations win their pools, the All Blacks' most likely pathway would be:
Pool Stage
- Australia
- Other Pool A opponents
Round of 16
- Best third-placed qualifier (from Pools C, E or F)
Quarter-Final
- South Africa (Pool B winner)
Semi-Final
- France (Pool E winner)
Final
- Ireland, England, Scotland or Argentina
Quiz: Name these 10 retro rugby players
From jaw-dropping tries to unforgettable moments (and yes, some questionable haircuts), these players defined a golden era of the game. If their names don’t instantly come to mind, we suggest a quick trip to YouTube to jog your memory. Trust us, it’s worth it.
Ready to test your knowledge? Let’s see if you’ve still got it. Good luck!
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