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Waratahs teaming up to reduce Nonu threat

Article Published: Wednesday 12 May 2010

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Waratahs centre Tom Carter says that he has asked for help from his team-mates in order to counter the threat brought by Hurricanes line busting centre Ma'a Nonu on Friday.

Carter is concerned about Nonu's line breaking skills and what is making matters worse for Carter is that a place in the semi-finals is on the line and Nonu has been hitting form of late.

The Hurricanes were almost out of contention a few weeks ago but have dug in and fought their way back into the mix for a place in the last four.

Carter says that he is so concerned about facing Nonu that he would be looking for help from his team mates to contain the All Black in Sydney on Friday.

"Traditionally, he hits form late in the season and he's done that again. As you've seen, he's obviously in a pretty destructive place," Carter told AAP on Wednesday.

"It's really difficult to defend against him so it's about minimising what he does.

"Ultimately he's going to break tackles and he's going to make line breaks, but it's (about) just supporting your team mates minimising (the damage) when those breaks happen.

"It's a big challenge, so we've got a few strategies in place and trying to keep him as quiet as possible is the key."

Carter believes that if he gets support from his fellow Waratahs team mates Nonu's influence will be reduced.

"He's an outstanding player," Carter said.

"But if we can work together as a group - that's the important thing because, if you defend in isolation, you'll get punished.

"But if you function together as a backline and defend together, you can certainly nullify him to a certain extent."

If facing Nonu was not bad enough for Carter he will also be going up against Nonu's fellow All Black Conrad Smith who has been recalled to the Canes starting line up.

against Nonu's fellow All Black Conrad Smith who has been recalled to the Canes starting line up.

 
 
 
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