New Zealand rejects Ma’a Nonu and Piri Weepu are dealing with their omission from the All Blacks’ World Cup squad in contrasting fashion.
Half-back Weepu has refused to talk since hearing about his exclusion on Sunday, following on the heels of a fine by the New Zealand Rugby Union for breaking a team curfew.
His Wellington team-mate Nonu, the versatile three-quarter, has gone on the front foot ahead of the Lions’ opening Air New Zealand Cup game against Otago this week.
Both players have been linked with moves to rugby league since they were left out of Graham Henry’s 29-man squad.
But Nonu told The Dominion Post: "I’m just focused on the Wellington Lions. That’s my main priority at the moment. I’m still thinking about my future and the door’s not closed for any other offers.
"It’s not the end of the world. That’s their campaign and I’m firmly behind the All Blacks and I want them to go all the way.
"I want them to bring the cup back, but at the moment for me, personally, my priority is here."
