Ma'a Nonu is a genuine possibility to feature for the Sharks against the All Blacks on August 11 in the second match of the Greatest Rivalry series, with the Durban franchise short of midfield cover due to Springbok commitments.
The 103-capped double World Cup winner, 44, joined the Sharks last month as part of a high-performance mentorship programme working alongside head coach JP Pietersen to develop younger players. He was officially welcomed on August 4 and presented with the No.12 jersey he wore throughout his Test and club career.
Crucially, Nonu has not retired from playing — he featured for Toulon in both the Top 14 and Champions Cup this past season — and with Ethan Hooker and Andre Esterhuizen away on Springbok duty, the Sharks have limited senior midfield options ahead of the All Blacks fixture.