Blues name key signing for Hurricanes clash

Ma'a Nonu will make highly-anticipated return to the Blues against the team of which he spent most of his Super Rugby career with.

The 36-year-old midfielder has been named to start at centre against the Hurricanes in the two side's final pre-season hit out at Mangatainoka on Saturday.

Nonu, who is entering his third stint with the Blues after playing for the franchise in 2012 and 2014, played 126 times for the Hurricanes after making his Super 12 debut for them in 2003.

After 10 seasons spread across two stints in Wellington, Nonu spent time at the Blues, Highlanders, Ricoh Black Rams and Toulon before returning to the Auckland-based Blues with an eye on the World Cup later this year.

Nonu played the last of his 103 tests for the All Blacks in the 2015 World Cup final against Australia, and is hopeful of attending a third World Cup after a four-year hiatus in France.

He is by far the most experienced player in the Blues' line-up for their match this weekend, with two-test All Blacks halfback Augustine Pulu the only other player in the starting side with international experience.

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