Rugby legend Ma’a Nonu honored his former teammates by performing a personal haka before his current club, the Sharks, suffered a 54-0 loss to the All Blacks in Durban. Following the traditional Ka Mate performance by New Zealand, the 44-year-old stepped forward to deliver the Kapa o Pango, the alternative haka utilized by the national team.
Nonu, who earned 104 caps for New Zealand and secured two World Cup titles in 2011 and 2015, joined the Sharks recently to mentor their younger roster. Due to various injuries within the squad, he was brought onto the bench for the match. He told SuperSport TV that the act was a sign of respect for his family and the team he loves.
All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie confirmed that Nonu had consulted with their defensive coach, Tana Umaga, to ensure the gesture was handled appropriately. Sharks coach JP Pietersen highlighted the positive influence Nonu has had since arriving, noting the veteran felt anxious about performing the ritual alone. During his brief 20-minute appearance on the field, Nonu delivered a notable tackle on fly-half Ruben Love.
