DURBAN, South Africa – For decades, South African rugby sides have relished the intensity of facing New Zealand’s iconic pre-match haka challenge, but none had ever responded with a haka of their own – until Tuesday. That historic moment came courtesy of 44-year-old former All Black center Ma’a Nonu, who delivered a memorable solo haka ahead of a tour match between his new side the Sharks and his old national team, a contest New Zealand ultimately won by a commanding 54-0 score on a rain-soaked pitch at Durban’s Kings Park.
Nonu, who earned 104 caps for New Zealand between 2003 and 2015, has continued his professional playing career across global club competitions well into his mid-40s. Just one week before the high-profile clash, the Sharks announced the signing of Nonu on a role focused on mentoring and developing the franchise’s young emerging talent. However, a growing injury crisis among the Sharks’ matchday squad left the side short of replacements, prompting management to ask the veteran to step onto the bench for the historic fixture – the Sharks’ first match against the All Blacks in 30 years.
Initially, Nonu was hesitant to accept the call-up. He worried that inserting himself into the matchday squad would overshadow the occasion for the rest of his Sharks teammates, who were preparing to make their own history against the world-famous side. But he ultimately relented to help the franchise fill out their matchday numbers, explaining to South African broadcaster SuperSport: “I thought it would be rude to say no. I thought I would put the boots on and try to help the team really.”
In the lead-up to the match, Nonu consulted with two former All Black teammates now serving on New Zealand’s coaching staff, Tana Umaga and Tamati Ellison, about his plan to respond to the All Blacks’ haka with one of his own. He framed the decision as an act of respect for both his current side and his roots, saying: “Out of respect for our team and on behalf of myself and my family, I thought it was the right thing to do, to answer the boys and the All Blacks.”
After the national anthems concluded and the All Blacks finished their traditional haka performance, Nonu stepped forward alone, with the rest of the Sharks squad lined up behind him, and the All Blacks positioned across the halfway line. He performed Kapa o Pango – the haka most commonly used by the All Blacks in modern matches – drawing initial silence from the damp crowd that quickly swelled into loud, warm cheers. When he finished, he nodded respectfully toward the All Blacks side, where most players nodded back in acknowledgment. Only two current All Blacks squad members, Codie Taylor and Beauden Barrett, were part of New Zealand’s national side when Nonu last played for the team.
Reflecting on the moment after the match, Nonu called the experience a profound honor. “It was such a privilege and an honor, and to do the haka, showing my respect on behalf of my family to the team I love,” he said.
Nonu got his minutes on the pitch in the final quarter of the one-sided contest, marking his first ever appearance against his former national team. His first touch of the ball came in a hard collision with All Blacks flyhalf Ruben Love – who was not yet born when Nonu made his debut for New Zealand in 2003. “I got 20 minutes. I tried my best. It was great to see the (New Zealand) boys,” he said.
The All Blacks pulled away to secure a lopsided victory after scoring a string of tries in the final 30 minutes, leaving Nonu playing catch-up for much of his time on the pitch. He was quick to praise his former side, adding: “The All Blacks opened up in the last 30 minutes and I was chasing my tail. Credit to them, they’re improving, and all the best to the brothers for the next game.”