Ma'a nonu

Ories & Ma’a Nonu
The rapid rise of Ma'a Nonu has been well documented since debuting for the Vodafone Wellington Lions in 2002. The devastating centre has taken his opportunities with both hands, joining the All Blacks' ranks less than a week after his 21st birthday.
Wellington born and raised, Nonu proudly represents the Oriental Rongotai football club where he first played as a four year old. Having started rugby so young and with his older brothers and father also belonging to the club, it was inevitable that Ma'a would don the Ories jersey.
Although his ties with the club were put on hold during his years at Rongotai College, where 1stXV rugby took over, he decided without hesitation to return to his former club once his schooling finished. This decision was further cemented when a group of his school friends joined Ories, and with both friends and family at the club, Ories took on more than just rugby significance for Ma'a.

"Belonging to Ories means a lot," says Nonu. "It's where my old man played and where my brothers play.There's a family connection but the club is also family because I grew up there and belong there."

"I also get to play with heaps of the guys from my school days. After school most guys go their separate ways these days, but a lot of my mates joined Ories so it's great to be involved with the club."

However you don't become an All Black without showing the goods on the field and Oriental Rongotai has contributed hugely to his rugby development.

"Playing for Ories has had the biggest effect on my rugby because it's where the platform was laid.I also owe a lot to the boys I play with because they have helped me get to where I am."

For this reason you regularly find Ma'a passing on his knowledge to other players and teams within the club.
"I like to help out where and when I can - the guys
tend to get lifted because I am one of them and represent Ories."

For Ma'a Nonu being an All Black is where he belongs - but then again so is being a member of the Ories club.

Julian Savea

New Zealand wing Julian Savea has today been named the IRB Junior Player of the Year 2010, the second of the prestigious IRB Awards in association with Emirates Airline to be presented this year.
Savea was presented with the Award by IRB Vice Chairman Bill Beaumont after helping New Zealand win a third successive IRB Junior World Championship title with a 62-17 defeat of Australia at the Estadio El Coloso del Parque in Rosario, Argentina.
He becomes the third New Zealander in succession to win the coveted award, following in the footsteps of Aaron Cruden in 2009 and Luke Braid in 2008.
Savea beat off stiff competition from his New Zealand captain Tyler Bleyendaal, Australia centre Robbie Coleman and Argentina fly half Ignacio Rodriguez Muedra to receive the honour.
The 19-year-old powerful and athletic wing has scored eight memorable tries in the tournament to equal the record of countryman Zac Guildford set last year in Japan.
Savea has been almost impossible to stop when in full flight, leaving defenders in his wake. Coming to the Junior World Championship with experience of the IRB Sevens World Series, Savea has shown great spatial awareness coupled with speed and strength.
"I feel pretty stoked," said Savea. "Once again just credit to the boys as without them I wouldn't be here. I enjoyed the game tonight, it was great, we got up and played and I think the boys just capitalised on our opportunities more."
Savea is the latest New Zealander to win the IRB Age Grade Award with previous winners Cruden, Isaia Toeava, Jerome Kaino and Luke McAlister all having gone on to play for the All Blacks.
"The IRB Junior World Championship has shown us the future stars of the world game, which looks to be in very good hands," said Beaumont, in Argentina to present the Award.
"The IRB Junior Player of the Year Award is essential in recognising achievement at this level and Julian should feel extremely proud that he has won this award given the very talented players on show here over the past three weeks."

Service Three

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