Nonu (27) will play his 34th test tomorrow night in the All Black jersey, taking on the French at Carisbrook.
Nonu has matured into a key member of the All Black backline, adding deft distribution skills to his hard-running game.
"Last year I gave it a good crack and and I think I improved. I worked hard at the Super 14 at being a good passer and trying to practise attributes of my game other than running," he said.
Nonu did not go to the last World Cup in 2007, so he did not experience the pain of the quarterfinal defeat to France, though he did attend the previous World Cup in Australia.
He said things like missing out on the trip to France in 2007 had made him a better player.
He was expecting a big game from the French tomorrow night but said the All Blacks had trained well, and had a good core of experience in the backline, pointing to captain and fullback Mils Muliaina and winger Joe Rokocoko.
"I don't see myself as a senior member but we have got a new backline. It is a challenge."
He acknowledged second five-eighth was a pivotal position in the side, but he had confidence in his job and was trying to do more in his role.
Nonu said though he would play his 34th test tomorrow, and played in every game for the All Blacks last year, he never saw himself as a certainty in the All Blacks.
"I'm comfortable being here, but I would never take my place for granted. I'm happy to be here. It's a good challenge and you've got to work for it, to earn it.
"Just the other day, on Monday, I looked out at the window at 7.30am and it was still dark. There are two ways your day can go. You can say it is too dark, I'm staying here. But you can go the other way.
"I jumped out of bed. Some guys forget about where they come from and where they are now."
Nonu said he had huge pride in being an All Black and wanting to play for his country.
"Who would not want to do that [be an All Black]? But you've got to respect that. You just can't wear the jersey and expect to perform. You've got to act it and work at it, to perform."
