WTF ? Nonu has only had consistent results over the past year, before that he had many critics and one would wonder if he would be in the team if other remained fit (kahui). Don't make up things and then back it up with poor examples.
There is a massive difference to playing union in France than coming over playing ITM cup in different conditions and playing styles.
Do you really think SBW would have turned down nearly a million a year knowing he was only a chance of making the WC squad ? He was popular with the three coaches when he was playing overseas, Wayne Smith even said he would make a fine union player when he was playing with the dogs.
Like it or not, he is going to be the new starting centre for the AB's and there is absolutely nothing anyone can do about it. Its set in stone.
Kahui has not played second five at international level and has little to none at ITM or Super 14 level either. 12 and 13 are not necessarily interchangable positions.
I think at the end of 2008, his first full year as starting 12, he would have had few critics to be honest. You also have to consider he would have had heaps of applause.
And FB, are you fcking serious about him turning down the money? He is still getting 550k to 'chase his dream of an All Bvlack jersey', so don't give me that chasing his dream over money bollocks. He still has a higher salary than most. if not all. players currently contracted to the NZRU. What Wayne Smith said when he was at the Dogs has absolutely no bearing on this argument whatsoever.
And regardless of playing styles, learning to defend in a backline is reasonably similar across continetns, the only difference being the traffic areas and workrates as a result. SBW still looks positionally lost.
And don't get me wrong, I rate Sonny, but I just think you are talking sht.
