Sharks coach defends selection of 44-year-old Nonu for All Blacks match

Sharks head coach JP Pietersen has defended the selection of All Blacks legend Ma'a Nonu for Tuesday's match against New Zealand, citing a shortage of available centers and the veteran's valuable mentorship role. The 44-year-old, who joined the Sharks in July in a leadership and mentorship capacity, is set to make his debut off the bench in the second match of the All Blacks' Greatest Rivalry tour at Hollywoodbets Kings Park in Durban.

Nonu, a two-time World Cup winner with 103 Test caps, retired from international rugby after the 2015 World Cup final. His inclusion in the matchday squad has sparked debate, with some questioning whether his selection takes an opportunity away from a younger player. Pietersen addressed the criticism directly, explaining that the decision was driven by necessity and respect for the occasion.

"This is our strongest team," Pietersen said. He noted that regular centers André Esterhuizen and Ethan Hooker are unavailable due to their involvement with the Springboks, and the squad has been further depleted by preseason injuries. "The only other centers not playing are Esterhuizen and Hooker. They are not available for us. Then we only have Murray Koster...