All Blacks give Nonu’s haka response thumbs-up as Sharks go down in Greatest Rivalry clash

All Blacks coach Dave Rennie confirmed that former All Black Ma’a Nonu delivered a respectful Māori response to the haka during the Rugby World Cup match against the Sharks at Kings Park. Nonu, now playing for the Sharks, joined his former teammates in performing the response after the traditional Māori war cry. The Sharks suffered a heavy 54-0 defeat under rain-soaked conditions at the Shark Tank.

Rennie acknowledged that the All Blacks took time to establish control during the opening 30 minutes of the game, which was hampered by challenging conditions. Despite a solid defensive performance, Rennie emphasized that the team's slow start would be a key focus for improvement moving forward. The coach expressed satisfaction with the second-half display, highlighting the team's growing understanding of their desired playing style as they prepare for the Rugby World Cup.

He noted that the team has played five games in the Nations Championship, showcasing improved cohesion and competition for playing spots. Rennie recognized the impact of the challenging field conditions, acknowledging that the team's performance was not always perfect, but stressed that disciplined play and ball retention could ultimately lead to increased chances of success.