New Zealand lock Patrick Tuipulotu said on Saturday he was "surprised" that South African club the Sharks had included former All Black Ma'a Nonu in the matchday 23 to face the tourists.

The Sharks have picked a youthful backline for Tuesday’s clash with the All Blacks, with Ma’a Nonu providing the ultimate insurance from the bench.

New Zealand will face one of its all-time greats in Ma’a Nonu when it plays the Sharks in Durban next week in the second match of its South Africa rugby tour.