After a stunning debut season in 2003, Nonu was unable to reproduce such form for the Hurricanes in 2004.

However some hard work prior to the 2004 NPC season, including a stint with the New Zealand Sevens team, meant that Nonu was back to his best towards the end of the year.

He earned a recall to the All Blacks and further development in his game means he now has the ability to play second five-eighths, centre and wing.

With fellow All Blacks team-mates Conrad Smith and Tana Umaga, the Hurricanes trio form midfield combinations which are the envy of other Super 12 teams.