THE great enigma he may remain, but Hurricanes midfielder Ma'a Nonu could have taken the most significant step of the year towards regaining his All Black status in a stirring Super 14 encounter at Eden Park on Friday night.

Nonu's Hurricanes lost a frenzied match 19-17 to the Blues, leaving both sides vulnerable to being passed by their chasing rivals as the rest of the competition's final round of the regular season played out.

But there was something about the Nonu performance that suggested the All Blacks selectors may well have left the packed ground in Auckland a good degree more content than when they arrived.

In a contest brimming with match-ups involving Test contenders (think hooker, the loose trio and midfield, for starters) it was possibly Nonu who had the most to gain as the two sides slugged it out in an epic encounter.

You have to figure the 26-year-old 18-Test utility is supping at the Last Chance Saloon. His face didn't fit for the World Cup last year and, really, he's been a spare part for the All Blacks ever since making his debut in 2003.

But the moons may have suddenly aligned for the blockbusting ball-runner which may see him finally deliver on his undoubted promise in the Test arena.

The cupboard is practically bare of genuine contenders for the All Black No 12 jersey, a scenario conceded by coach Graham Henry.

And Nonu is also showing signs that he's finally taking advice in terms of the looser aspects of his game. He looks to have recognised that he has a primary responsibility to distribute rather than cut in at every chance with ball in hand, and he has definitely tightened the discipline elements of his game.

He was pinged early for a high hit against the Blues but knuckled down well after that. His critics might point out that he couldn't finish Willie Ripia's second-half break, but that was more excellent Blues cover defence than anything.

Besides, Nonu's attacking ability has never been queried and his passing game was, for the most part, spot on.

There is another thing in Nonu's favour. If the selectors decide Conrad Smith is their man among a myriad of contenders for the No 13 jersey, their established partnership must be a factor.