An embarrassed McCaw was last week exalted as the All Blacks' greatest ever openside flanker by assistant coach Steve Hansen after the defeat of Ireland.
This week, Nonu was also lauded - though in more measured tones - by the All Blacks management.
Hansen, a former representative centre for Canterbury, yesterday reinforced the positive appraisal of Nonu's impact during the victory at Eden Park here on Saturday night -- a tackle-busting display that reinforced his hold on the No 12 jersey.
Seven days after having the vision to latch on to a Daniel Carter break for the winning try at Westpac Stadium, Nonu turned provider for Mils Muliaina against the World Cup runners-up as the All Blacks put the game beyond reach in the 42nd minute.
The 26-year-old also had a hand in Sitiveni Sivivatu's touchdown four minutes later and also kept the experienced English midfield under control with centre partner Conrad Smith.
It was only the second time the Wellington and Hurricanes duo teamed up in a starting All Blacks team in midfield and by all accounts it will not be the last.
Assistant coach Wayne Smith kicked off the post-match plaudits, focusing on his remodelled second five-eighth.
"The big improvement in Ma'a is his ability to play for the team, to get out of the ruck, to stay on his feet," Smith said.
"He's one of the best attacking players in the world so you don't want him in rucks or beside rucks. You want him out and being available to play.
"He's put a lot of work into that.
"He's tried really hard since he's come into the environment and he's getting the rewards."
Nonu made his debut the last time a visiting team won on New Zealand soil -- England in 2003 -- but since then his versatility and dubious vision had seen him flit from the midfield to wing and back again, usually off the bench.
Pigeonholed primarily as an impact player, Nonu has taken significant strides this season to fill the void left by Aaron Mauger and Luke McAlister.
Nonu was considered too erratic for last year's World Cup squad but is a changed player according to Hansen.
"I thought Ma'a was special (on Saturday night)," he said.
"Ma'a's passing game has improved immensely, Ma'a and (Hurricanes assistant coach) Aussie McLean deserve credit for that. They've worked hard at making him not just a one-dimensional player."
Hansen thought Nonu had also benefited from being the only second five-eighth in the squad, though Stephen Donald could cover at a pinch.
"I think he's got a bit of confidence being in our group as the only No 12. He's come in with a good attitude, he wants to make the jersey his own."
Nonu, meanwhile, was almost dismissive of his barnstorming performance.
"I wouldn't sum up my game as wonderful. The guys inside and outside me made me look good really," he said.
"I was pretty average. Hopefully I'll step up if I get picked again next week."
Mike Tindall, who combined with Olly Barkley and then Jamie Noon in the English midfield, was understandably not too enthusiastic either about Nonu -- or the All Blacks.
England's most experienced back, who was yellow carded in the 76th minute for killing the ball, said England had a clear objective in Christchurch.
"I don't think they're as invincible as the media and themselves make them out to be," he said.
"It's up to us to try and prove them wrong."
