If there were any lingering concerns from people about how Ma'a Nonu would perform during his return to the Hurricanes there's not even a shred of doubt remaining that it was the right choice by all involved to get him back.
The 32-year-old was at his best during the Hurricanes' 22-18 win over the Chiefs in Wellington tonight as Nonu's side extended their lead at the top of the New Zealand conference.
While many had hoped to see a second-five showdown between Nonu and Sonny Bill Williams, the man known as SBW was pulled from the starting line-up for the Chiefs yesterday due to a back injury. Youngster Anton Lienert-Brown replaced Williams.
A crowd of 18,240 did see Nonu though who showed, yet again, his strength and pace to beat a couple of defenders to score the game's opening try on the 10-minute mark.
The opening spell was an absorbing contest as the competition's two best teams threw everything they had at each other as the Chiefs enjoyed a territorial advantage.
Despite losing both of their locks, Michael Fitzgerald and Michael Allardice, to injury - the Chiefs also came in to the game without locks Brodie Retallick (shoulder) and Matt Symons (concussion) - the visitors took a 13-10 lead to halftime.
A Charlie Ngatai try, converted by Damian McKenzie in the final act of the half, added to a couple of earlier penalties.
McKenzie is third first-five used in as many games by the Chiefs as they struggle to cope with the loss of Aaron Cruden for the rest of the season due to a knee injury.
Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd made a crucial change at the break as he inserted hooker Dane Coles who is more accurate with his lineout throwing than Motu Matu'u.
The home side tried four times to go for a lineout drive after kicking for touch rather than attempting penalties and their persistence was rewarded when flanker Ardie Savea rumbled over for a try.
The Chiefs then lost their third lock in the contest as replacement Liam Squire was sent to the sin bin for a dangerous tackle on Nonu as the Chiefs looked ragged.
But the Chiefs have developed an incredible resiliency under coach Dave Rennie and they continued to make their tackles despite being a man down.
Nonu and Conrad Smith marked 50 games in the midfield for the Hurricanes during this one and the night ended prematurely for Smith after he copped a head knock in the middle of the second half.
Smith's departure coincided with the Hurricanes having a thrilling would-be try disallowed for a forward pass during the middle of the movement. Such a score would have given them a valuable buffer during the final 15 minutes.
Nonu didn't wait around long to provide that buffer though when his anticipation led to an intercept try from a Mitchell Graham pass as the veteran midfielder completed his brace.
A late try to Sam Cane pushed the sides closer and it looked like Augustine Pulu had stolen it for the Chiefs but his try was ruled out in the dying stages.
Next up, the Chiefs will host the Bulls on Friday, while the Hurricanes will make the trip to Eden Park to meet the Blues on Saturday.
Hurricanes 22 (Ma'a Nonu 2, Ardie Savea tries; James Marshall pen, 2 con)
Chiefs 18 (Charlie Ngatai, Sam Cane tries; Damian McKenzie 2 pen, con)
HT: 10-13
