24 Apr 2014

Waratahs wary of Weepu, Nonu

11:32 am on 24 April 2014

The New South Wales Waratahs are wary of the emotional charge that Piri Weepu's comeback from heart surgery will provide the Blues in their Super Rugby Anzac Day showdown at Eden Park.

While Kurtley Beale's speedy recovery from an ankle injury boosted the Waratahs, the Blues also received a major lift when coach Sir John Kirwan picked Weepu and All Black midfielder Ma'a Nonu in the home team.

Weepu has been cleared to return via the bench after the World Cup-winning All Blacks halfback suffered a stroke last month and underwent minor heart surgery.

Nonu has also been absent with a calf injury, but the explosive Test midfielder returns to line up opposite Beale in what shapes as a mouth-watering midfield duel.

Nonu has a history of saving his best for the All Blacks, but Waratahs first five Bernard Foley says it would be foolish of the Waratahs to underestimate one of the most destructive backs in the game.