You are not wrong, we were lacking at the last World Cup in the centres, we left the best centre at home(Laumape), and quite frankly... Nonu I would suggest almost made the flight he was still pretty damn good.
Kind of hard to replace. 2015 Nonu was the best centre in the world -- and I'm not exaggerating - the best. He was 32 at the time, played with passing, defence and decision making of a seasoned veteran, but with the speed and physicality of a 22yr old man. And if you're familiar with his style, he's also incredibly disciplined when he's in the black jersey. I don't think he's ever yellow carded as an All Black.
@@archvermin What he became in the last 5 years in the jersey was something extremely hard to replicate, and I don't think the coaching staff took that task seriously. Once again this year, I don't really see a Nonu replacement... I don't really highly rate any of the centres in Super Rugby right now.. They do not have the same combination of explosive running, and smart play. Goodhue(Good Defense, smart play), Ioane(Explosive runner), Laumape(Explosive runner), Liernet-Brown(Explosive runner)...... We don't have a danger man as a second receiver... I really think Jordie Barrett should have taken the position he played at Francis Douglas(#12).
@@Anubis_-- I hope they do take it seriously, I don't want us to end up in a 2007 situation again (we had to play Leon McDonald at centre at one point). That said, Nonu-Smith centre combination only comes once-in-a-generation, and I think we were blessed to have them. We haven't replaced McCaw and Carter yet - such was the calibre of that era
@@Anubis_-- I'm personally optimistic that ALB may in time become our next Conrad Smith - makes decent decisions, reliable in defence, good work rate, and strong ball carrier. If Ngatai wasn't plagued with injury, and Robbie Fruean didn't have to get heart surgery, our stocks may look different right now - man what could've been.
True story. Also, watch all of the coaching being delivered by NZ coaches over there in the US. Loads of videos of Jamie Joseph, Dave Rennie and Murray Mexted working with Texas Rugby Union. They look organised AF!!! Looking forward to another country competing at the World Cup in the future (as long as my AB's win of course)
Why was maa nonu so devasting in major league rugby ? Pretty simple answer. The dudes one of the best centres to play the game and he’s playing in a btec league.
He can kick as well, if I can recall his positional kicking was a key factor for winning many games for the ABs. The game where Carter was injured after the massive tackle from Bismark comes to mind.
@@Thomas-dy5xl nah it actually wasn't.. he had a decent pass which he perfected in the 2nd half of his career. He just never used it and didn't set up tries through long passes. He'd make breaks and pass it fine. But was never told or expected to throw long balls from set piece as they'd want him to just crash it.
nah bro he's just steering them around the field like any old pro- keeping the body intact and running as little as possible. plenty of young legs out there to do the mahi and get the glory.. good on him
Pretty tame compared to his younger years, he was a devastating ball runner as a younger man. But this video shows his ball playing ability is still razor sharp. Hoping the US comp picks up and takes off!!
I like it though as he making other guys better and hoping Muricans follow his lead. Dont want to Watch L.A. current champions headed by Aussie coach bring his Aussie Players (look at the team roster and how many aussie flags he has in that champion team vs usa.) its like the guy brought some up n comings and has been super rugby and got sick of the SeaWolves and won the title. next will be Texas goes and gets them a former S.A. coach who gets his South African Super rugby guys and Forms a Texas team and plays L.A. Australians for the M.L.R. Title. lol with the three token American players... Thats what i hope doesnt happen. this is what Colorado predicted and pulled their Colorado Rugby club out of the M.L.R. as they want to focus on creating American Players.
Great thing about Nonu is that he expanded his skill set throughout his career. Man is built like a tank and would bust defences then he developed a very good passing and kicking game.
The difference for me is passing. When ever I see international players playing in the lower leagues the passing is always miles ahead. I played with a guy it's hard to describe but everything he did looked so simple, his passes were always perfect and they hit you like a bullet. He is now playing for South Africa.
I'm sure rugby is going to explode in America. Think of how many thousands of exceptional college athletes don't quite make the NFL draft and would be keen to give rugby a try.
Its a great game, complicated though, not easy to learn all the ins and outs at all. Also the game of rugby doesnt take half a day to watch like nfl, i cant stand the stop start nature of it.... but thats cultural i guess.
I’ve played during high school and currently playing in college. and my team and I were made fun of a lot for wearing “short shorts” and playing a “weird and boring” game by the football team and i just wanted them to see the beauty of the game, the community and culture, and how hard we worked in training. It just so great to see and experience right grow so much that even an AB, a wallaby, and an Englishman; nonetheless legends, come play here just means a lot to myself and all the Americans that have been playing for quite some time now.
@@weiweirice2597 Yeah the amount of gridiron fans I've seen call other sports feminine because they wear shorts while they are wearing leggings is immense.
A lot of crazy shit happening that wouldn't happen in other leagues. It would be so nice if in a few years the us team improves such that they might even get a few lucky wins in the world cup and manage to put out their own style of rugby as the Japanese did!
His skill level has just kept improving, making up for his slight decrease in physicality. His passing is as good as a scrumhalf and his tactical kicking is as good as a flyhalf; meanwhile still having the body of a crash and bash inside centre.
His passing is devastating. He's pushing 40 and clearly doesn't have the explosiveness or speed he used to, but it doesn't matter because he's transitioned into a midfield general.
@@akbarusmanov2614 😄 ...took the bait, eh? I didn’t say the greatest, I said the best 😉. But, I will say Conrad smith and Nonu made the greatest centre pairing of all time.
His footwork, his ability to turn a man inside out was underrated I remember trying to bounce in and out like him in a game and the boys made fun of me all night lol good memories
Anybody who has watched Nonu play over the years, knows that this is just not the devastating side of him as the thumbnail suggests. There is much more
It maybe my imagination, but he seems to have added a few things to his game. I do like that he is unselfish and that he doesn't overplay his hand. I used to hate seeing him in the AB side as I knew my Wallabies would be in for a very tough game.
I remember when he first joined the hurricanes and was sprinting on setting 14 for the running machine next to me, and I was thinking damn he's fast, and years later he's still fast
Crazy seeing Ma'a kick the ball.... don't think i ever saw him do that for the hurricanes or the all blacks and that kick @5:50 minutes is world class!
MLR is making great moves. Young American players developing in these teams along World Class talent, will only mean future stars for the US national team
I am pleased to say that the standard of Major League footie is definitely on the way up. Obviously it has to compete with the huge U.S ball games that are 'set in stone', similar to Italy, in that respect. If the U.S game can attract more T.V interest, then a greater nucleus of 'home-grown' players will appear. Many of your players are big, fast, eager units, so them being able to play with, and against former elite level 'imports' can but enhance their skill-sets...Get the game going at 'grass-roots' level properly and great things will hopefully follow in time.
YesSiRr!! So that's where he went?!? WattA SikK Kant!! Lol!! Awesome stuff!! Pretty weird to hear the American commentators.. Haha!! Still good to see Rugby in the State!! Hopefully it gets bigger and better & they can attract more BiG name players!! Thankz for sharing Mate much Appreciated!! Stay bless and Stay Safe out there!! CheeRz!
It’s unbelievable that he passes the ball a lot more now than he did when he came through the ranks in NZ. 22 yr old Ma’a would have just run and stepped the whole team lol
agree he nvr got the credit for his passing,lazy thinkers say hes JUST a strike runner.I love the guy away from rugby hes a husband and dad and he;s great fun,love to to Ma'a and your family.
Considering how fast the sport and the league is growing there and the amount of elite athletes that the US produces in nearly every sport, Americans at the world stage could become an elite group of players in the next 10 or so years, kind of like how Japan has developed their Rugby players. We've already seen how dominant their Seven's team is. It's only a matter of time before their XV-side reaches that level as well.
His old now. Still good 👍, but tbh don't judge his playing on this season. He's not even a fraction of the symbol of beastmode when he was in his prime
@@tuiesera3231 You're both wrong, his family is Samoan. For some time there was even the chance he would play for Manu Samoa in the last World Cup using the 7's loophole
@@beniaminorocchi thank you..it showed what I know about rugby.. I’m pissed he’s not playing in the NFL!! I wish all the Samoan rugby players were playing in the NFL!!
I don’t think this video shows his best rugby honestly his impact in the videos would be considered getting the basics right without it being extraordinary
ABs haven’t really replaced him at 12 yet. That’s how good he is.
You are not wrong, we were lacking at the last World Cup in the centres, we left the best centre at home(Laumape), and quite frankly... Nonu I would suggest almost made the flight he was still pretty damn good.
Kind of hard to replace. 2015 Nonu was the best centre in the world -- and I'm not exaggerating - the best. He was 32 at the time, played with passing, defence and decision making of a seasoned veteran, but with the speed and physicality of a 22yr old man. And if you're familiar with his style, he's also incredibly disciplined when he's in the black jersey. I don't think he's ever yellow carded as an All Black.
@@archvermin What he became in the last 5 years in the jersey was something extremely hard to replicate, and I don't think the coaching staff took that task seriously. Once again this year, I don't really see a Nonu replacement... I don't really highly rate any of the centres in Super Rugby right now.. They do not have the same combination of explosive running, and smart play. Goodhue(Good Defense, smart play), Ioane(Explosive runner), Laumape(Explosive runner), Liernet-Brown(Explosive runner)...... We don't have a danger man as a second receiver... I really think Jordie Barrett should have taken the position he played at Francis Douglas(#12).
@@Anubis_-- I hope they do take it seriously, I don't want us to end up in a 2007 situation again (we had to play Leon McDonald at centre at one point). That said, Nonu-Smith centre combination only comes once-in-a-generation, and I think we were blessed to have them. We haven't replaced McCaw and Carter yet - such was the calibre of that era
@@Anubis_-- I'm personally optimistic that ALB may in time become our next Conrad Smith - makes decent decisions, reliable in defence, good work rate, and strong ball carrier. If Ngatai wasn't plagued with injury, and Robbie Fruean didn't have to get heart surgery, our stocks may look different right now - man what could've been.
The quality of the rugby is improving wish I could say the same for the commentary.
True story. Also, watch all of the coaching being delivered by NZ coaches over there in the US. Loads of videos of Jamie Joseph, Dave Rennie and Murray Mexted working with Texas Rugby Union. They look organised AF!!! Looking forward to another country competing at the World Cup in the future (as long as my AB's win of course)
And the music!
commentators have no clue what they're saying ahahaha
This is American commentary so. . .
😂
Nonu out there playing touch and throwing carefree passes like he's in high school lol
Why was maa nonu so devasting in major league rugby ? Pretty simple answer. The dudes one of the best centres to play the game and he’s playing in a btec league.
Hahahha thats why NZ champions Tasman Mako came and got they ass kicked by my b league SEATTLE SEAWOLVES BETCH!
@@Outdoorcookwarereviews what’s a Seawolve ? Are they still
Playing down starfire ?
The MLR is getting better and better. Don't be an arrogant hater man, just enjoy.
@@tainedonovan4983 not to mention it was a Mako development side..
@@Outdoorcookwarereviews yeah to the under 19s team 😂
One of the most underrated parts of his game is his PASSING!!! Set up so many tries for the All Blacks for many years
He was known for having a pinpoint, long flat pass.
maybe his kicking as well
He can kick as well, if I can recall his positional kicking was a key factor for winning many games for the ABs. The game where Carter was injured after the massive tackle from Bismark comes to mind.
@@Sulu-sw3zo his passing was trash when he was first on the scene. But he worked hard on it and it became a weapon for him
@@Thomas-dy5xl nah it actually wasn't.. he had a decent pass which he perfected in the 2nd half of his career. He just never used it and didn't set up tries through long passes. He'd make breaks and pass it fine. But was never told or expected to throw long balls from set piece as they'd want him to just crash it.
He's pushing 40 and still a beast on the field.
nah bro he's just steering them around the field like any old pro- keeping the body intact and running as little as possible. plenty of young legs out there to do the mahi and get the glory.. good on him
And that’s not even peak Nonu, he would’ve ran through everyone in his day...
Beast of a man.
He destroyed alot of irish players when he decided to put his head down🐃
These boys are firemen and plumbers by profession.
He coupd still but he's not on these guys level, so he's giving the developing players an opportunity
Nonu is a champion, but to see Nonu here he looks very much an educator . That shows how great a man he is .
I can see this competition expanding and becoming a huge sport in the USA
Hope not
I from nz I think nz can became a tier 1 team if they commit to it
@@frostclan8211 they’re already a tier 1 team mate haha
@@owenfazza6349 oh lol i was meant to say america
Watching from New Zealand, cant wait till the USA is a powerhouse as will only entice other countries along aswell.Its all about the game for me
Nonu's pass is masterclass! Looks like he's having fun, enjoying his footy. Shot bro, seki.
Pretty tame compared to his younger years, he was a devastating ball runner as a younger man. But this video shows his ball playing ability is still razor sharp. Hoping the US comp picks up and takes off!!
I like it though as he making other guys better and hoping Muricans follow his lead. Dont want to Watch L.A. current champions headed by Aussie coach bring his Aussie Players (look at the team roster and how many aussie flags he has in that champion team vs usa.) its like the guy brought some up n comings and has been super rugby and got sick of the SeaWolves and won the title. next will be Texas goes and gets them a former S.A. coach who gets his South African Super rugby guys and Forms a Texas team and plays L.A. Australians for the M.L.R. Title. lol with the three token American players... Thats what i hope doesnt happen. this is what Colorado predicted and pulled their Colorado Rugby club out of the M.L.R. as they want to focus on creating American Players.
Great thing about Nonu is that he expanded his skill set throughout his career. Man is built like a tank and would bust defences then he developed a very good passing and kicking game.
The difference for me is passing. When ever I see international players playing in the lower leagues the passing is always miles ahead. I played with a guy it's hard to describe but everything he did looked so simple, his passes were always perfect and they hit you like a bullet. He is now playing for South Africa.
I'm sure rugby is going to explode in America. Think of how many thousands of exceptional college athletes don't quite make the NFL draft and would be keen to give rugby a try.
Yeah, rugby is growing rapidly in the past 10 years
Exactly
Its a great game, complicated though, not easy to learn all the ins and outs at all. Also the game of rugby doesnt take half a day to watch like nfl, i cant stand the stop start nature of it.... but thats cultural i guess.
So true.
Not enough time for commercials
I’ve played during high school and currently playing in college. and my team and I were made fun of a lot for wearing “short shorts” and playing a “weird and boring” game by the football team and i just wanted them to see the beauty of the game, the community and culture, and how hard we worked in training. It just so great to see and experience right grow so much that even an AB, a wallaby, and an Englishman; nonetheless legends, come play here just means a lot to myself and all the Americans that have been playing for quite some time now.
the short shorts comment is always funny to me considering football players are essentially wearing yoga pants
@@weiweirice2597 Yeah the amount of gridiron fans I've seen call other sports feminine because they wear shorts while they are wearing leggings is immense.
Tell them to play and see if they’re still laughing
The American game is a lot like the NZ game, they wanna run with ball in hand and score tries. I really enjoy watching MLR
Except in NZ they know how to defend...
A lot of crazy shit happening that wouldn't happen in other leagues. It would be so nice if in a few years the us team improves such that they might even get a few lucky wins in the world cup and manage to put out their own style of rugby as the Japanese did!
@@crizzl380 if MLR continues, I have no doubt it will result in RWC wins for the US team.
@@hankgoldenshaft maybe in 30 years
@@hankgoldenshaft only if African Americans pick up the sport tbh
I remember a game when Nonu , Umaga and Lomu where on the same team. that was a beast of a backline.
Nonu is the greatest passer of the game ever his passing is an art form makes it look easy
Steady on. Maybe one of the best midfield distributors but he isn’t close to Aaron smith for passing ability
I never thought I'd hear Nonu being described as having an "educated boot"... I didn't even know he could kick 🤣 great to see him distributing!
His skill level has just kept improving, making up for his slight decrease in physicality. His passing is as good as a scrumhalf and his tactical kicking is as good as a flyhalf; meanwhile still having the body of a crash and bash inside centre.
You’re joking right? Nonus kicking game improved over his last few years with the ABs… greatest 12 ever
When young US kids see players like this they can look up to it’s scary how much of a force the states could be!
He's a very good quality ex international rugby player.
What this reflects is how big a step the US has to take to get to tier 1 rugby standard.
Imagine his fellow center comrade "Conrad Smith" was there and playing TOGETHER. Their team would be..... unstoppable. Does anyone agree?
At his absolute peak, I don’t think there have been many if any centres to match his skill set. Probably in my all time XV.
As a Wellingtonian, always thought Tana umaga was the best 13 ,
@@ckromuluss11and89 And i give you damien de allende...very similar
@@simorf .. nah, Damien has nothing on Nonu. I’m South African just so you know.
True
Bro miss watching him in the midfield for ABs, 💯 Percent Awesome 🙏🤜🤛👍😉.
The man is a legend. Greatest All black Centre of all time. Him and Conrad Smith were a fantastic partnership.
he's still class...love the synthwave backing to this video too
this should be callled Nonu passes the ball in MLJ,, rather than devastating
His passing is devastating. He's pushing 40 and clearly doesn't have the explosiveness or speed he used to, but it doesn't matter because he's transitioned into a midfield general.
Exactly!
@@MBRoa22 bro, did you watch the past world cup? What are you talking about, he's still hard. . . And I'm not an AllBlacks fan, I'm South African
@@1ma4ighter I don’t really know what you mean by he’s still hard? He never played at the 2019 World Cup for NZ either.
@@MBRoa22 He puts people into space, he directs them on the field. He's really mastered other aspects of his game.
Ma'a Nonu is my hero. The best centre of all time. Prove me wrong :).
you really think people can prove you wrong? lmao
Brian O’Driscoll
@@sail4549 O’Driscoll can 😂
@@akbarusmanov2614 nope🙅🏽♂️
@@akbarusmanov2614 😄 ...took the bait, eh? I didn’t say the greatest, I said the best 😉. But, I will say Conrad smith and Nonu made the greatest centre pairing of all time.
His footwork, his ability to turn a man inside out was underrated I remember trying to bounce in and out like him in a game and the boys made fun of me all night lol good memories
Great player - happy to set up others at this stage.
Ive never seen nonu kick and pass so much 🤣 love him though, always a great player and still has it
There is one man above all to thank for this. Jonah Lomu. RIP Bro✨
Anybody who has watched Nonu play over the years, knows that this is just not the devastating side of him as the thumbnail suggests.
There is much more
It maybe my imagination, but he seems to have added a few things to his game. I do like that he is unselfish and that he doesn't overplay his hand. I used to hate seeing him in the AB side as I knew my Wallabies would be in for a very tough game.
Hes done well from a hard unstople man to a man that thinks alot more. Love em"
Agreed. I reckon he is actually better here then when he was at the all blacks...more a flyhalf then a 12...most good 12's start at fly half
Good to see rugby growing in the usa.
Your national team will only get better the more it grows.
Keep it up from ireland.
My 12 in my all time greatest Abs
I remember when he first joined the hurricanes and was sprinting on setting 14 for the running machine next to me, and I was thinking damn he's fast, and years later he's still fast
Nonu vision on the field is incredible, that's why he a AB great.
Crazy seeing Ma'a kick the ball.... don't think i ever saw him do that for the hurricanes or the all blacks and that kick @5:50 minutes is world class!
One of the best, evolved that position and no-one has done the same since
Greatest second five in the history of the All Blacks says a lot. Means he's in the running for the GOAT in his position.
MLR is making great moves. Young American players developing in these teams along World Class talent, will only mean future stars for the US national team
10 years ago he was at the RWC busting through players like a beast. Now he's here the chilling make a bit of easy coin.
Ahhhhh so this is where Veremalua have been playing
Would love to see a MLR all stars tour of Europe
MLR should tour NZ. They can play in the Saturday Leagues. I heard Ohaupo needs a scrimmage game.
Nonu is probably the best 12 of all time at least in my book, but don't let that distract you from how awful the defence is in some of these clips
Tim Horan taps the mic 🎤
I mean he had better competition in his younger days we know what hes done
U.S has a lot of potential. Hopefully the game grows, the money comes in and attracts and boom another world rugby powerhouse ✊🏾
Greatest 12 of all time.
His passing game is on point
Rugby should be MASSIVE in the US. I'm an irish rugby fan and i'm both excited and scared to see the US develop.
Fantastic sound track!
MLR looks like a good competition, pleasantly surprising. Looks good for a strong USA team in the near future.
He’s arguably the best centre of all time that’s why
I am pleased to say that the standard of Major League footie is definitely on the way up. Obviously it has to compete with the huge U.S ball games that are 'set in stone', similar to Italy, in that respect. If the U.S game can attract more T.V interest, then a greater nucleus of 'home-grown' players will appear. Many of your players are big, fast, eager units, so them being able to play with, and against former elite level 'imports' can but enhance their skill-sets...Get the game going at 'grass-roots' level properly and great things will hopefully follow in time.
Is he still playing MLR?
He is a BEAST! Samoan warrior on the field.
Wish he was still playing for us. Sad to see him retire from the Al Blacks.
One of the most complete center in the game
And to think he was playing with Christian Cullen and Jonah Lomu in his days...
Cullen the greatest ever All Black fullback; Lomu the greatest ever wing for any team.
YesSiRr!! So that's where he went?!? WattA SikK Kant!! Lol!! Awesome stuff!! Pretty weird to hear the American commentators.. Haha!! Still good to see Rugby in the State!! Hopefully it gets bigger and better & they can attract more BiG name players!! Thankz for sharing Mate much Appreciated!! Stay bless and Stay Safe out there!! CheeRz!
actually went back to toulon after covid cancelled mlr 2020
Legend!! That's it.
Muuy Buenooo!!! desde Argentina.
It’s unbelievable that he passes the ball a lot more now than he did when he came through the ranks in NZ. 22 yr old Ma’a would have just run and stepped the whole team lol
my conclusion is= ma'a nonu is too good
Not too bad old man👑
agree he nvr got the credit for his passing,lazy thinkers say hes JUST a strike runner.I love the guy away from rugby hes a husband and dad and he;s great fun,love to to Ma'a and your family.
Americans playing good rugby. Good to see, even though I see some ring ins. 👍👍👍 Go the MLR
Would have to see him snd o Driscoll is thr one team at 12 and 13
My best 12 in the world, and Jasa Veremalua at no# 6 is really fast.
KING !
Greatest #12 of all time
He's coming back to the legions next season as a player n a coach
Ma'as Pass is highly underrated
0:50 insane
That’s him in his 30s too 💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽
Considering how fast the sport and the league is growing there and the amount of elite athletes that the US produces in nearly every sport, Americans at the world stage could become an elite group of players in the next 10 or so years, kind of like how Japan has developed their Rugby players.
We've already seen how dominant their Seven's team is. It's only a matter of time before their XV-side reaches that level as well.
He epitomises all black rugby
Because the level of the MLR is like a High School game in NZ.
The bro on fire
He had to have been the richest rugby player in amierica at the time
There is still some naivete in the play. Nonu is seeing it like the S on superman's suit!
Looks like he's having a good time in San Diego...
Why Nonu was so devastating? Because he’s one of the best centres of the professional era playing against noobs....
When the best legs in the sport becomes the best hands in the MLR 😂
he's changed up his game.. more of a distributer which has him at all class... so dangerous...unpredictable now...
Still a class act uso!...😀🔥
His old now. Still good 👍, but tbh don't judge his playing on this season. He's not even a fraction of the symbol of beastmode when he was in his prime
Because the old man has better skills than most.
None playing more like a flyhalf here yo🔥🔥🔥🔥
this competition will help the usa in to be more competitive at the world cup
Great Tonga player!!
He’s not Koga,he is African from Zimbabwean .
@@tuiesera3231 You're both wrong, his family is Samoan. For some time there was even the chance he would play for Manu Samoa in the last World Cup using the 7's loophole
@@beniaminorocchi Thanks for clearing that up
@@tuiesera3231 ahh that'll explain his great layup
@@beniaminorocchi thank you..it showed what I know about rugby.. I’m pissed he’s not playing in the NFL!! I wish all the Samoan rugby players were playing in the NFL!!
I'd like to see the south African High school teams against these American clubs
I don’t think this video shows his best rugby honestly his impact in the videos would be considered getting the basics right without it being extraordinary
Rongotai hard!
Lol. Love Nonu, but this just him passing the ball.
4:58 "reaches over for the touchdown" 🤦🤦
I never see a wall and benchs so close to the field?!
If 5% of America played and watched rugby they would be top 5 in the world. Give it 10 or so years
MAY HE PLAY WITH PRIDE MAY HE PLAY WITH HONOUR MAY HE PLAY WITH STRENGTH AND MANA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AOTEROA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Why does the commentator keep talking about "running with the football"?