ROSEMARY ABBOTT | Sport
LIKE FINE WINE
Matt Stewart, 34, of Christchurch was starting to feel a lot older than he actually was today.
Stewart, who had played club rugby himself until his mid 20s when injury struck, was in awe upon reading the news that All Blacks great Ma’a Nonu was not only still playing rugby, but playing at the highest level in the French Top 14.
“Gee, I can barely get out of bed in the morning without a random ache or niggle, and this guy is out there running 80 minutes, smashing defenders, and scoring tries in his 40s!”
Nonu finished with the All Blacks after their 2015 Rugby World Cup win, but has continued to play and dominate like he’s still in his 20s, even scoring a try overnight to become the oldest player to ever score in the competition’s history.
“I keep thinking, ‘2015, that’s when he retired from rugby, right?’ And now he’s still smashing it in France? They talk about LeBron James’ longevity in the NBA, but Nonu’s been battering himself against the best players in a physical game against men since 2002!” said Stewart, touching his back which had started to spasm for no reason.
“Honestly, I’m getting sore again from just watching him. How the hell is still this good at 43!?’
More to come.
