Ma’a Nonu delivered an epic response to the Haka in what could be his final involvement in an All Blacks game.
The legendary centre was a key part of New Zealand’s Rugby World Cup-winning sides in 2011 and 2015, becoming one of just 45 players to win the tournament on two occasions.
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More than 20 years after making his New Zealand debut, the 103-cap veteran remains involved at the highest level of the game, although this time he found himself facing the All Blacks.
Now 44, Nonu started on the bench for the Sharks as they took on New Zealand at Kings Park in Durban during the second game of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour.
The tour will culminate in four Tests between the All Blacks and Springboks.
Before kick-off, New Zealand performed their traditional Haka, one of the most recognisable and culturally significant rituals in rugby.
Nonu knows the pre-match challenge better than most after 103 appearances for the All Blacks, but produced a brilliant response in Durban.
As the Haka finished and his Sharks teammates began returning to position, Nonu stepped forward and performed his own Haka in response.
His teammates stood behind him, arm-in-arm, as the Kings Park crowd erupted.
It was a fitting moment for one of New Zealand rugby’s greatest ever centres, potentially marking Nonu’s final involvement in an All Blacks game, albeit against the nation he helped confirm their reputation as a global rugby powerhouse.
Ma'a Nonu responds to the Haka on behalf of the Sharks. Epic. #AllBlacks #Sharks pic.twitter.com/XH6xzbRK7D
— Inside Rugby With Mark (@insiderugbymark) August 11, 2026
Fan reaction
Fans were blown away by Ma’a Nonu’s solo haka, with the All Blacks legend earning huge praise across social media.
One fan wrote: “That Nonu haka on his own. Worth the price of admission that.”
Another added: “That was incredible from Ma’a Nonu!”
A third simply said: “Powerful from Nonu.”
Others were equally impressed, with one posting: “Ma’s Nonu with a solo haka. 🔥”
Another wrote: “Nonu running circles around us and I wouldn’t even be mad, that’s the GOAT 🐐.”
While another summed up the reaction with: “Ma’a Nonu 🔥🔥🔥🔥.”
The 20 Highest-Paid Rugby Players in the World in 2026
Exact figures are rarely disclosed, particularly in Japan and South Africa, so every amount should be treated as an informed estimate rather than a confirmed salary.
20. Manie Libbok – Hanazono Kintetsu Liners
Estimated salary: £500,000 per year
Libbok secured the biggest contract of his career by moving from the Stormers to Japan. The Springbok fly-half’s creativity, pace and attacking instincts make him one of the Liners’ headline overseas signings.
19. Louis Bielle-Biarrey (Bordeaux-Bègles)
Estimated salary: £500,000–£600,000
The reigning World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year has become one of the sport’s biggest stars. Bordeaux-Bègles moved quickly to secure the winger on an improved long-term contract after his remarkable rise, making him one of the best-paid young players in world rugby.
18. George Ford – Sale Sharks
Estimated salary: £500,000–£550,000 per year
Ford remains one of the PREM’s best-paid playmakers. The England fly-half is central to Sale’s ambitions and commands a premium because of his tactical control, experience and elite goal-kicking.
17. Marcus Smith – Harlequins
Estimated salary: £500,000–£550,000 per year
The face of Harlequins continues to be one of English rugby’s most marketable players. Smith’s club contract, combined with his England enhanced deal, places him close to the global top 20.
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16. Lood de Jager – Saitama Wild Knights
Estimated salary: £525,000–£600,000 per year
The towering Springbok lock remains a highly prized figure in Japan. His lineout expertise, physicality and vast Test experience make him one of Saitama’s most important overseas players.
15. Owen Farrell (Saracens)
Estimated salary: £600,000–£685,000 per year
Farrell remains one of rugby’s biggest earners despite returning to Saracens after just one season in France. His Racing 92 deal was reported to be worth around £685,000 per year, and although his current contract is believed to be lower, the England great is still among the Premiership’s highest-paid players
