Steve Hansen sees more than numbers behind the 39-year-old Deon Fourie’s Springbok recall, while predicting an emotional night for Ma’a Nonu against the All Blacks.
Veteran forward Fourie has linked up with the Boks in Johannesburg, in preparation to tackle New Zealand in the four-Test Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
Fellow World Cup winner Nonu, who recently signed with the Sharks, will face his former international team at Kings Park on Tuesday.
Speaking on the Rugby Unity podcast, Hansen praised Fourie’s professionalism and drive to compete at the highest level.
MORE: Big Vic backs Brannas to nuke All Blacks
“It comes down to physical and mental preparation, and being able to keep at it up to that age,” the former All Blacks boss said.
“It’s a wonderful example of how modern science, recovery and nutrition have affected our game and allowed players to stay in it for longer, if they’ve got the commitment to follow the programmes and look after themselves.
“I think of [ex-lock] Brad Thorn … You could still have put him in the All Blacks’ forward pack then, and he’d still have done the job.
“They have the mental fortitude and the desire to want to be there. If you’ve still got the desire, that’s what drives you. Once you lose the desire to do the hard work from Sunday to Friday, you can’t do the fun part, which is playing on Saturday.”
JP ON MA’A NONU: His name says it all
Nonu has joined the Sharks primarily to mentor young outside backs, and Hansen expects the 103-Test centre to still make a big impact in Durban.
“He’ll find it quite emotional, more so than he probably realises, because it’ll be the first time that he’s played against the All Blacks,” the Kiwi added.
“He’s coming off the bench, so I don’t think stamina will be a problem at 44. I think he’ll have enough match fitness and experience, as well as the cunning, to be able to survive.
“This is something he’ll want to do well, knowing that he’s a proud New Zealander and a former All Black.
“He’ll play with plenty of physical prowess, as well as some of his subtle skills. He’ll want to deliver a performance, I’m sure of that.”
Photo: Lionel Hahn/Getty Images
The post Hansen hails Brannas’ desire to keep it up appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.