When Adam Ashley-Cooper and Ma’a Nonu faced off in the 2015 Rugby World Cup final it seemed unlikely they would face off in Test colours again.
Both went to France after the World Cup - Ashley-Cooper to Bordeaux and Nonu to Toulon.
The Wallaby returned for the 2016 Bledisloe, but Nonu’s Test days appeared done with his overseas departure.
On Saturday, though, the pair will be back on the same Super Rugby arena with the same goal - to fight for a spot at the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
Neither has hurt their chances in the start to this season despite their teams’ up-and-down fortunes.
Ashley-Cooper said he’d taken note of his Kiwi counterpart’s form so far this year and the Waratahs would have to be on
“He’s a class player, he’s a world class player obviously and he has a similar ambition in terms of that Rugby World Cup,” he said.
“He’s doing everything he can to out himself in shape for that.
“I’ve been really impressed with the way he’s come back and put himself in shape to perform well for the Blues week in, week out.
“He’s a strong player and he’s dominant in his ball carry and he’s going to be a real threat this weekend against us.”
Nonu’s position at the Blues is one of the reasons that Ashley-Cooper is lining up alongside Karmichael Hunt in Auckland.
The Waratahs pair have been defensively strong when they have started and it’s that element that played into coach Daryl Gibson’s decision to start them over Kurtley Beale.
“They've (the Blues) got some big boppers coming down that channel,” Gibson said on Thursday.
“I've selected a combination in the middle which I believe can combat that and add some.
“And that's where Karmichael and Adam really excel in the defensive area and there's a role for Kurtley coming off the bench in providing that spark in attack.”
Ashley-Cooper will be refreshed for the trip to Auckland after resting against the Sunwolves.
It was a break for which he was grateful, not only because of the rest but because he felt it was a sign that his World Cup dream is well and truly alive.
“I thought I’d have to come back and play a full Super Rugby season to prove that I’m capable enough to be in that World Cup squad,” he said.
“It’s a nice surprise and it’s come at a nice time after that Crusaders game.
“Moving forward I still want to play as much football as I can this year and keep growing my game, putting myself in the best shape to play good football and be in that World Cup squad.”
The Waratahs take on the Blues on Saturday April 6, kicking off at 7:35pm local, 5:35pm AEDT, LIVE on FOX SPORTS and via RUGBY.com.au RADIO.
