The Blues coach Sir John Kirwan has lept to the defence of Super Rugby nomad Ma'a Nonu, claiming the All Black second five is more motivated to perform at Super level than ever before.
Nonu sensationally quit the Blues to join the Highlanders at the end of 2012, leaving Kirwan fuming and with a massive midfield hole for 2013.
However with Nonu returning north they've long since patched up their differences and Kirwan is adament the 31-year-old doesn't deserve the tag of Super Rugby problem child.
Nonu is unavailable for Saturday's pre-season clash with the Hurricanes in Masterton, and is unlikely to be ready for the Blues first game of the competition proper.
