If You Were a National Coach...

[sambãd5]

it is at times a odd discussion - nonu on the wing. it definatly stops him from "hogging the ball". but what i enjoy about it is that he spends alot of time still acting as if he were a centre. its crazy. sure - hes not geting the ball side stepping someone such as habana, then making a 80m sprint down the sideline ala - rokocoko or howlett etc but he puts in the physical work of a centre or 2nd 5/8 along with being able to push off a defender if need be. personally - i like it.

 

[Orcaral]

<div class='quotemain'>
Toeava is much much more of a threat than Nonu because of 3 things:

1. creating gaps, 2. distribution & 3. defence

Yes, Nonu is a destructive runner and can create gaps but he often goes to the ground with the ball or throws mis-timed passes to his support runner thus losing momentum or losing possession......and the less we talk about his defence the better.

Toeava is also the same destructive runner but it's his distribution skills that sets him apart. That's why Roks, Wulf & Tuitavake has been scoring a lot of tries. His defence is rock solid as well.



Also from your original list, I left the Evans/Carter combination as it is because I think it could be one of the best ever.
[/b]

I agree Toeava possesses those abilities, but time and time again he has failed to show this for the All Blacks. The time Nonu has had in the black jersey has been brief so he hasn't really had a chance, Toeava has had more of a chance and hasn't impressed. Even last year, he had a blinder in the Suer 14 and was again average on the bigger stage.

If he can carry the form he continually carries with the Blues over to the All Blacks, then yes I would pick him over Nonu. However, I would leave Nonu on the bench because I don't think he is a winger and there's loads of other specialised wingers in the country who would do better. Also, the more I think about it, Nonu is taylor made to come off the bench later in the game.

Bang on with Evans/Carter, and with a destructive center outside them, our backline would run like a dream.
[/b][/quote]


Mate have you been watching any rugby the last few seasons? You had be laughing out loud with that one.

Nonu's brief time with he All Blacks? He's been involved in the All Blacks since 2003. That's FOUR years. He has been handed more than enoughs starts to prove himself, and yet time and time again he hasn't. He always shines in the S14/NPC, but a test level, where the defences are alot tighter and players alot better, his only asset doesn't shine, which is his line-breaking ability.

I'd been wanting him to prove me wrong, but IMO he just isn't going to cut it at international level.

Toeava is the future.

 

[Orcaral]

it is at times a odd discussion - nonu on the wing. it definatly stops him from "hogging the ball". but what i enjoy about it is that he spends alot of time still acting as if he were a centre. its crazy. sure - hes not geting the ball side stepping someone such as habana, then making a 80m sprint down the sideline ala - rokocoko or howlett etc but he puts in the physical work of a centre or 2nd 5/8 along with being able to push off a defender if need be. personally - i like it.
[/b]

I'd be more concerned with his defence and positioning than his attack. His pace will be found out against the likes of Habana, etc. And I'd be nervous as hell if the oppostion chose to give him high balls all day or make him turn around and chase.

We have enough wing talent coming through to not need to put a utility like Nonu in the #14 jersey.

 

[nam97]

<div class='quotemain'>
<div class='quotemain'>
Toeava is much much more of a threat than Nonu because of 3 things:

1. creating gaps, 2. distribution & 3. defence

Yes, Nonu is a destructive runner and can create gaps but he often goes to the ground with the ball or throws mis-timed passes to his support runner thus losing momentum or losing possession......and the less we talk about his defence the better.

Toeava is also the same destructive runner but it's his distribution skills that sets him apart. That's why Roks, Wulf & Tuitavake has been scoring a lot of tries. His defence is rock solid as well.



Also from your original list, I left the Evans/Carter combination as it is because I think it could be one of the best ever.
[/b]

I agree Toeava possesses those abilities, but time and time again he has failed to show this for the All Blacks. The time Nonu has had in the black jersey has been brief so he hasn't really had a chance, Toeava has had more of a chance and hasn't impressed. Even last year, he had a blinder in the Suer 14 and was again average on the bigger stage.

If he can carry the form he continually carries with the Blues over to the All Blacks, then yes I would pick him over Nonu. However, I would leave Nonu on the bench because I don't think he is a winger and there's loads of other specialised wingers in the country who would do better. Also, the more I think about it, Nonu is taylor made to come off the bench later in the game.

Bang on with Evans/Carter, and with a destructive center outside them, our backline would run like a dream.
[/b][/quote]


Mate have you been watching any rugby the last few seasons? You had be laughing out loud with that one.

Nonu's brief time with he All Blacks? He's been involved in the All Blacks since 2003. That's FOUR years. He has been handed more than enoughs starts to prove himself, and yet time and time again he hasn't. He always shines in the S14/NPC, but a test level, where the defences are alot tighter and players alot better, his only asset doesn't shine, which is his line-breaking ability.

I'd been wanting him to prove me wrong, but IMO he just isn't going to cut it at international level.

Toeava is the future.
[/b][/quote]

Has been given a chance like Toeava? He get's a game, then the whole team changes the next week and is left out. OK, if you want to be pedantic, he has been in the mix since 2003 but hasn't been used as much as he should have. Toeava has 15 caps already, Nonu has 14, see my point bud? What has Toeava displayed apart from nerves and shoddy ball skills to warrant more caps than Nonu, who you pointed out has had a decent amount of time in the All Blacks.

You also say when it comes to the All Blacks, Nonu doesn't perform how he does in the S14. Tell me, how is Toeava any different?

I like Toeava, and he is the future in the All Blacks midfield, but I'd still like to see Nonu given more of a chance.

 

[Orcaral]

Has been given a chance like Toeava? He get's a game, then the whole team changes the next week and is left out. OK, if you want to be pedantic, he has been in the mix since 2003 but hasn't been used as much as he should have. Toeava has 15 caps already, Nonu has 14, see my point bud? What has Toeava displayed apart from nerves and shoddy ball skills to warrant more caps than Nonu, who you pointed out has had a decent amount of time in the All Blacks.

You also say when it comes to the All Blacks, Nonu doesn't perform how he does in the S14. Tell me, how is Toeava any different?

I like Toeava, and he is the future in the All Blacks midfield, but I'd still like to see Nonu given more of a chance.
[/b]

Actually according to the Rugby Museum, Nonu has 18 caps while Toeava has only 15. And that pretty much proves my point. Over 4 years, Nonu has only been able to get 18 caps. He has been involved in the national set-up for 4 years, yet can you say honestly he's improved his game? Same wrecking-machine with ball in hand, but still the same brain explosions and Mr. Turnover as well.

There's a reason he hasn't been used that much, and that's because he can't deliver at international level. After Umaga retired, the #13 was Nonu's for the taking, after being groomed as his successor. But he didn't step up.

I never defended Toeava in my post, so I don't know why you're going off at me about Toeava for. But I'll gladly still defend him What you say about him is true though, in that he hasn't had a good start for the All Blacks, at times looking like he's caught in a pair of headlights. But that was more in 2006. He was much more assured in 2007, and did a decent job in the Tri-nations marking up against Mortlock. Even now, Toeava's main assets which he has over Nonu is his ability to make gaps or put his outsides into them, and to know when to offload and when to keep it. Toeava is a natural at it, while Nonu hasn't been able to learn after all this time.

In the respective stages of their careers, (considering Toeava only made his S14 debut in 2006), Toeava has already accomplished more rugbywise and careerwise.

 

[nam97]

Has been given a chance like Toeava? He get's a game, then the whole team changes the next week and is left out. OK, if you want to be pedantic, he has been in the mix since 2003 but hasn't been used as much as he should have. Toeava has 15 caps already, Nonu has 14, see my point bud? What has Toeava displayed apart from nerves and shoddy ball skills to warrant more caps than Nonu, who you pointed out has had a decent amount of time in the All Blacks.

You also say when it comes to the All Blacks, Nonu doesn't perform how he does in the S14. Tell me, how is Toeava any different?

I like Toeava, and he is the future in the All Blacks midfield, but I'd still like to see Nonu given more of a chance.
[/b]

Actually according to the Rugby Museum, Nonu has 18 caps while Toeava has only 15. And that pretty much proves my point. Over 4 years, Nonu has only been able to get 18 caps. He has been involved in the national set-up for 4 years, yet can you say honestly he's improved his game? Same wrecking-machine with ball in hand, but still the same brain explosions and Mr. Turnover as well.

There's a reason he hasn't been used that much, and that's because he can't deliver at international level. After Umaga retired, the #13 was Nonu's for the taking, after being groomed as his successor. But he didn't step up.

I never defended Toeava in my post, so I don't know why you're going off at me about Toeava for. But I'll gladly still defend him What you say about him is true though, in that he hasn't had a good start for the All Blacks, at times looking like he's caught in a pair of headlights. But that was more in 2006. He was much more assured in 2007, and did a decent job in the Tri-nations marking up against Mortlock. Even now, Toeava's main assets which he has over Nonu is his ability to make gaps or put his outsides into them, and to know when to offload and when to keep it. Toeava is a natural at it, while Nonu hasn't been able to learn after all this time.

In the respective stages of their careers, (considering Toeava only made his S14 debut in 2006), Toeava has already accomplished more rugbywise and careerwise.
[/b]

Well that is what I'm on about in regards to Nonu, he has had bugger all playing time over the 4 years he's been in the mix. All I'm asking for is give him a few games on the trot and see how he goes, because since now his appearances have been all over the show.

Not having a go at you mate, a heated discussion is a good discussion as long as we're both in line .

 

[Juggernaut]

All I can say is, we can all agree to disagree on Nonu & Toeava.

It's up to the cartel now.



OK!! now back to the topic, If I was Boks coach, one player who should be fast track to the senior squad right now is Cheetahs flank Heinrich Brüssow. A very handy player to have as a backup to Burger.

I'm jumping on his bandwagon now,

 

[Juggernaut]

My Bok Team:

1. Heinke van der Merwe - Lions
2. Bismarck du Plessis - Sharks
3. BJ Botha - Sharks
4. Rory Duncan - Cheetahs
5. Johann Muller - Sharks
6. Heinrich Brüssow - Cheetahs
7. Wikus van Heerden - Bulls
8. Ryan Kankowski - Sharks
9. Fourie du Preez - Bulls
10. Derick Hougaard - Bulls
11. Bryan Habana - Bulls
12. Francois Steyn - Sharks
13. Jean de Villiers - Stormers
14. Tonderai Chavhanga - Stormers
15. JP Pietersen - Sharks

 

[Orcaral]

<div class='quotemain'>

Has been given a chance like Toeava? He get's a game, then the whole team changes the next week and is left out. OK, if you want to be pedantic, he has been in the mix since 2003 but hasn't been used as much as he should have. Toeava has 15 caps already, Nonu has 14, see my point bud? What has Toeava displayed apart from nerves and shoddy ball skills to warrant more caps than Nonu, who you pointed out has had a decent amount of time in the All Blacks.

You also say when it comes to the All Blacks, Nonu doesn't perform how he does in the S14. Tell me, how is Toeava any different?

I like Toeava, and he is the future in the All Blacks midfield, but I'd still like to see Nonu given more of a chance.
[/b]

Actually according to the Rugby Museum, Nonu has 18 caps while Toeava has only 15. And that pretty much proves my point. Over 4 years, Nonu has only been able to get 18 caps. He has been involved in the national set-up for 4 years, yet can you say honestly he's improved his game? Same wrecking-machine with ball in hand, but still the same brain explosions and Mr. Turnover as well.

There's a reason he hasn't been used that much, and that's because he can't deliver at international level. After Umaga retired, the #13 was Nonu's for the taking, after being groomed as his successor. But he didn't step up.

I never defended Toeava in my post, so I don't know why you're going off at me about Toeava for. But I'll gladly still defend him What you say about him is true though, in that he hasn't had a good start for the All Blacks, at times looking like he's caught in a pair of headlights. But that was more in 2006. He was much more assured in 2007, and did a decent job in the Tri-nations marking up against Mortlock. Even now, Toeava's main assets which he has over Nonu is his ability to make gaps or put his outsides into them, and to know when to offload and when to keep it. Toeava is a natural at it, while Nonu hasn't been able to learn after all this time.

In the respective stages of their careers, (considering Toeava only made his S14 debut in 2006), Toeava has already accomplished more rugbywise and careerwise.
[/b]

Well that is what I'm on about in regards to Nonu, he has had bugger all playing time over the 4 years he's been in the mix. All I'm asking for is give him a few games on the trot and see how he goes, because since now his appearances have been all over the show.

Not having a go at you mate, a heated discussion is a good discussion as long as we're both in line .
[/b][/quote]


Yep fair enough, I would love for Nonu to come into his own as well, just don't see it happening. If he can't crack the midfield in the Hurricanes, the chances of him doing that in the All Blacks are even less likely IMO.

Nothing like a good old Nonu argument these days, since we can't compare Mertz and Carlos anyway or complain/defend Marshall's pass.

 

[Ripper]

<div class='quotemain'>

Has been given a chance like Toeava? He get's a game, then the whole team changes the next week and is left out. OK, if you want to be pedantic, he has been in the mix since 2003 but hasn't been used as much as he should have. Toeava has 15 caps already, Nonu has 14, see my point bud? What has Toeava displayed apart from nerves and shoddy ball skills to warrant more caps than Nonu, who you pointed out has had a decent amount of time in the All Blacks.

You also say when it comes to the All Blacks, Nonu doesn't perform how he does in the S14. Tell me, how is Toeava any different?

I like Toeava, and he is the future in the All Blacks midfield, but I'd still like to see Nonu given more of a chance.
[/b]

Actually according to the Rugby Museum, Nonu has 18 caps while Toeava has only 15. And that pretty much proves my point. Over 4 years, Nonu has only been able to get 18 caps. He has been involved in the national set-up for 4 years, yet can you say honestly he's improved his game? Same wrecking-machine with ball in hand, but still the same brain explosions and Mr. Turnover as well.

There's a reason he hasn't been used that much, and that's because he can't deliver at international level. After Umaga retired, the #13 was Nonu's for the taking, after being groomed as his successor. But he didn't step up.

I never defended Toeava in my post, so I don't know why you're going off at me about Toeava for. But I'll gladly still defend him What you say about him is true though, in that he hasn't had a good start for the All Blacks, at times looking like he's caught in a pair of headlights. But that was more in 2006. He was much more assured in 2007, and did a decent job in the Tri-nations marking up against Mortlock. Even now, Toeava's main assets which he has over Nonu is his ability to make gaps or put his outsides into them, and to know when to offload and when to keep it. Toeava is a natural at it, while Nonu hasn't been able to learn after all this time.

In the respective stages of their careers, (considering Toeava only made his S14 debut in 2006), Toeava has already accomplished more rugbywise and careerwise.
[/b]

Well that is what I'm on about in regards to Nonu, he has had bugger all playing time over the 4 years he's been in the mix. All I'm asking for is give him a few games on the trot and see how he goes, because since now his appearances have been all over the show.

Not having a go at you mate, a heated discussion is a good discussion as long as we're both in line . [/b][/quote]

What has Nonu displayed in the Black Jersey apart from the habit to get destroyed by Rookie English Centres and Jamie Noon?

 

[bobilycious]

My team is based on form:



1. Ben Franks
2. Corey Flynn
3. John Afoa
4. Troy Flavell
5. Ali Williams
6. Jerome Kaino
7. Richie McCaw
8. Nick Williams/ Mose Tuiali'i
9. Andy Ellis
10. Nick Evans
11. Joe Rokocoko
12. Dan Carter (hasnt played 2nd five yet but I wanted him and Nick Evans in the squad)
13. Isaia Toeava
14. Ma'a Nonu
15. Leon MacDonald

16. Keven Mealamu
17. Jamie Mackintosh/Greg Somerville
18. Brad Thorn
19. Rodney So'oialo
20. Danny Lee
21. Stephen Brett
22. Benson Stanley

 

[nam97]

<div class='quotemain'> <div class='quotemain'>

Has been given a chance like Toeava? He get's a game, then the whole team changes the next week and is left out. OK, if you want to be pedantic, he has been in the mix since 2003 but hasn't been used as much as he should have. Toeava has 15 caps already, Nonu has 14, see my point bud? What has Toeava displayed apart from nerves and shoddy ball skills to warrant more caps than Nonu, who you pointed out has had a decent amount of time in the All Blacks.

You also say when it comes to the All Blacks, Nonu doesn't perform how he does in the S14. Tell me, how is Toeava any different?

I like Toeava, and he is the future in the All Blacks midfield, but I'd still like to see Nonu given more of a chance.
[/b]

Actually according to the Rugby Museum, Nonu has 18 caps while Toeava has only 15. And that pretty much proves my point. Over 4 years, Nonu has only been able to get 18 caps. He has been involved in the national set-up for 4 years, yet can you say honestly he's improved his game? Same wrecking-machine with ball in hand, but still the same brain explosions and Mr. Turnover as well.

There's a reason he hasn't been used that much, and that's because he can't deliver at international level. After Umaga retired, the #13 was Nonu's for the taking, after being groomed as his successor. But he didn't step up.

I never defended Toeava in my post, so I don't know why you're going off at me about Toeava for. But I'll gladly still defend him What you say about him is true though, in that he hasn't had a good start for the All Blacks, at times looking like he's caught in a pair of headlights. But that was more in 2006. He was much more assured in 2007, and did a decent job in the Tri-nations marking up against Mortlock. Even now, Toeava's main assets which he has over Nonu is his ability to make gaps or put his outsides into them, and to know when to offload and when to keep it. Toeava is a natural at it, while Nonu hasn't been able to learn after all this time.

In the respective stages of their careers, (considering Toeava only made his S14 debut in 2006), Toeava has already accomplished more rugbywise and careerwise.
[/b]

Well that is what I'm on about in regards to Nonu, he has had bugger all playing time over the 4 years he's been in the mix. All I'm asking for is give him a few games on the trot and see how he goes, because since now his appearances have been all over the show.

Not having a go at you mate, a heated discussion is a good discussion as long as we're both in line . [/b][/quote]

What has Nonu displayed in the Black Jersey apart from the habit to get destroyed by Rookie English Centres and Jamie Noon?
[/b][/quote]

And what has Toeava shown us apart from the habit of butchering tries in high stakes games like the tri nations?

 

[thatfatkid84]

If i was Australia's coach only 1 thing would be certain and thatd be that Rodney Blake is never selected, especially after his terrible form for the reds. He needs to lose at least 10kg.

 

[Fushitsusha]

A 30 man squad based on form thus far (Vickerman excluded) -

Props - Holmes, Shepherdson, Maafu, Henderson
Hooker - Faingaa, Freier, Moore (only because he's the incumbent Wallaby hooker, otherwise his form has been dreadful and no one else is sticking their hand up)
Locks - Sharpe, Chisholm, Horwill
Blindside flanker - Elsom, Chapman (I assume McMeniman will probably be injured)
Openside flanker - Smith, Waugh
No. 8 - Hoiles, Palu

Halfback - Phibbs, Cordingley
Flyhalves - Giteau, Barnes
Centres - Mortlock, Ashley-Cooper, Staniforth, Cross
Wingers - Mitchell, Playford, Turner
Fullback - Latham, Gerrard, Shepherd

 

[sambãd5]

from what i saw on the news of the crusaders v force game, cross had a very good game. and a barnes, getau, corss combo could be looking good if mortlock is still injured.

 

[danny]

If I was national coach I would cut Ian Balshaws ******** off if I could find them.

 

[Fushitsusha]

from what i saw on the news of the crusaders v force game, cross had a very good game. and a barnes, getau, corss combo could be looking good if mortlock is still injured.
[/b]

I believe Mortlock will be back for the Brumbies in a couple of weeks... so as long as he doesn't get injured again he'll be captaining Australia...

I believe there are talks that the Brumbies and Wallabies might be looking at a Mortlock-Ashley-Cooper centre combination outside of Giteau...

I think that would be pretty solid... I would be happy with that or a Staniforth-Mortlock combination...

No doubt that Giteau has been the standout flyhalf out of the Aussie teams... and Cross is looking really good but I don't think I'd have him in the team over those other guys...

However, if he keeps playing the way he is he could easily earn a bench spot...

 

[Orcaral]

<div class='quotemain'>
<div class='quotemain'> <div class='quotemain'>

Has been given a chance like Toeava? He get's a game, then the whole team changes the next week and is left out. OK, if you want to be pedantic, he has been in the mix since 2003 but hasn't been used as much as he should have. Toeava has 15 caps already, Nonu has 14, see my point bud? What has Toeava displayed apart from nerves and shoddy ball skills to warrant more caps than Nonu, who you pointed out has had a decent amount of time in the All Blacks.

You also say when it comes to the All Blacks, Nonu doesn't perform how he does in the S14. Tell me, how is Toeava any different?

I like Toeava, and he is the future in the All Blacks midfield, but I'd still like to see Nonu given more of a chance.
[/b]

Actually according to the Rugby Museum, Nonu has 18 caps while Toeava has only 15. And that pretty much proves my point. Over 4 years, Nonu has only been able to get 18 caps. He has been involved in the national set-up for 4 years, yet can you say honestly he's improved his game? Same wrecking-machine with ball in hand, but still the same brain explosions and Mr. Turnover as well.

There's a reason he hasn't been used that much, and that's because he can't deliver at international level. After Umaga retired, the #13 was Nonu's for the taking, after being groomed as his successor. But he didn't step up.

I never defended Toeava in my post, so I don't know why you're going off at me about Toeava for. But I'll gladly still defend him What you say about him is true though, in that he hasn't had a good start for the All Blacks, at times looking like he's caught in a pair of headlights. But that was more in 2006. He was much more assured in 2007, and did a decent job in the Tri-nations marking up against Mortlock. Even now, Toeava's main assets which he has over Nonu is his ability to make gaps or put his outsides into them, and to know when to offload and when to keep it. Toeava is a natural at it, while Nonu hasn't been able to learn after all this time.

In the respective stages of their careers, (considering Toeava only made his S14 debut in 2006), Toeava has already accomplished more rugbywise and careerwise.
[/b]

Well that is what I'm on about in regards to Nonu, he has had bugger all playing time over the 4 years he's been in the mix. All I'm asking for is give him a few games on the trot and see how he goes, because since now his appearances have been all over the show.

Not having a go at you mate, a heated discussion is a good discussion as long as we're both in line . [/b][/quote]

What has Nonu displayed in the Black Jersey apart from the habit to get destroyed by Rookie English Centres and Jamie Noon?
[/b][/quote]

And what has Toeava shown us apart from the habit of butchering tries in high stakes games like the tri nations?
[/b][/quote]

That was his first year into the All Blacks. You'd expect a rookie to make mistakes. Remember Lomu?

Thing with Nonu is, he is still making those mistakes and worse, into his 4th year with the All Blacks and more with the Hurricanes/Wellington. Last weekends game was a classic example of the stupid side of Nonu, which sadly shows up more often than the non-stupid side.

In the end, no matter how you look at it, the fact is Nonu can't even crack the midfield for the Hurricanes. If he is a potential All Black centre ready to fill the void at #13, he wouldn't be playing on the wing for the canes.

 

[Juggernaut]

I'd get rid of Waugh and put Pocock on the bench with Smith starting.

 

[nam97]

<div class='quotemain'>
<div class='quotemain'>
<div class='quotemain'> <div class='quotemain'>

Has been given a chance like Toeava? He get's a game, then the whole team changes the next week and is left out. OK, if you want to be pedantic, he has been in the mix since 2003 but hasn't been used as much as he should have. Toeava has 15 caps already, Nonu has 14, see my point bud? What has Toeava displayed apart from nerves and shoddy ball skills to warrant more caps than Nonu, who you pointed out has had a decent amount of time in the All Blacks.

You also say when it comes to the All Blacks, Nonu doesn't perform how he does in the S14. Tell me, how is Toeava any different?

I like Toeava, and he is the future in the All Blacks midfield, but I'd still like to see Nonu given more of a chance.
[/b]

Actually according to the Rugby Museum, Nonu has 18 caps while Toeava has only 15. And that pretty much proves my point. Over 4 years, Nonu has only been able to get 18 caps. He has been involved in the national set-up for 4 years, yet can you say honestly he's improved his game? Same wrecking-machine with ball in hand, but still the same brain explosions and Mr. Turnover as well.

There's a reason he hasn't been used that much, and that's because he can't deliver at international level. After Umaga retired, the #13 was Nonu's for the taking, after being groomed as his successor. But he didn't step up.

I never defended Toeava in my post, so I don't know why you're going off at me about Toeava for. But I'll gladly still defend him What you say about him is true though, in that he hasn't had a good start for the All Blacks, at times looking like he's caught in a pair of headlights. But that was more in 2006. He was much more assured in 2007, and did a decent job in the Tri-nations marking up against Mortlock. Even now, Toeava's main assets which he has over Nonu is his ability to make gaps or put his outsides into them, and to know when to offload and when to keep it. Toeava is a natural at it, while Nonu hasn't been able to learn after all this time.

In the respective stages of their careers, (considering Toeava only made his S14 debut in 2006), Toeava has already accomplished more rugbywise and careerwise.
[/b]

Well that is what I'm on about in regards to Nonu, he has had bugger all playing time over the 4 years he's been in the mix. All I'm asking for is give him a few games on the trot and see how he goes, because since now his appearances have been all over the show.

Not having a go at you mate, a heated discussion is a good discussion as long as we're both in line . [/b][/quote]

What has Nonu displayed in the Black Jersey apart from the habit to get destroyed by Rookie English Centres and Jamie Noon?
[/b][/quote]

And what has Toeava shown us apart from the habit of butchering tries in high stakes games like the tri nations?
[/b][/quote]

That was his first year into the All Blacks. You'd expect a rookie to make mistakes. Remember Lomu?

Thing with Nonu is, he is still making those mistakes and worse, into his 4th year with the All Blacks and more with the Hurricanes/Wellington. Last weekends game was a classic example of the stupid side of Nonu, which sadly shows up more often than the non-stupid side.

In the end, no matter how you look at it, the fact is Nonu can't even crack the midfield for the Hurricanes. If he is a potential All Black centre ready to fill the void at #13, he wouldn't be playing on the wing for the canes.
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Nonu's performance last week was a disgrace. I don't know why I defend him, he just makes me (and all his fans) look like an idiot.

Such a shame, he is so much better than what he churns out most weeks, and when he does have a blinder I get excited, only to be disappointed the following week.

I'm still no fan of Toeava.

Casey Laulala anyone? He's been playing awesome lately.