Chiefs coach Colin Cooper believes Blues midfielder Ma’a Nonu should go to the World Cup this year.
Nonu was omitted from the All Blacks’ training group earlier this week, but with Sonny Bill Williams going under the knife for a knee injury, Nonu will have enough time to convince the national selectors that he should be in the World Cup plans.
Up against Cooper’s Chiefs at 9.35am Saturday morning, the coach says of Nonu: “He would certainly be an option [for the World Cup].
“If he keeps performing like he is, he’ll demand a position there, too.”
Nonu last played for New Zealand in the 2015 World Cup final at Twickenham.
Of facing the Blues, Cooper adds: “They’ve always been a sleeping giant, haven’t they?
“Looks they’ve finally woken up and they’re playing to the strengths.”