All Blacks centre Ma’a Nonu says he needed the break he got during the June Test series against Ireland to recharge the batteries.

After 18 months of constant rugby that included being Graham Henry’s first-choice inside centre for New Zealand’s Rugby World Cup win, he was picked in the squad for the three-Test series against the Irish but not used, with the in-form Sonny Bill Williams getting the nod in the No.12 jersey.

After a five-week hiatus, Nonu returned last weekend to be part of a rare Blues success, scoring a try in a 32-9 win over the Western Force at Eden Park.

The veteran of 66 Tests admits he was feeling physically and mentally drained before the break.

“I could have tried to play on, but just the mind really,” he said.

“I just needed a rest.”

He was able to do some training and rehab, and was ready to get back into the fray against the Force.

The Blues will conclude a hugely disappointing season on Saturday night with an away match against Australian Conference leaders the Brumbies.

The Blues sit third-last on the table after 12 defeats and just three wins.

Nonu headed north after his nine seasons and 110 appearances for the Hurricanes ended in a bust-up with then first-year coach Mark Hammett last year.

The 30-year-old was non-committal about where he would play in 2013, saying it was something to be sorted out after this weekend.

He is looking to get in some club action in Wellington before the start of the inaugural four-nation Rugby Championship in mid-August.

Williams’ decision to head to Japan after his one season with the Chiefs and then return to the NRL in 2013 leaves Nonu in pole position to return at inside centre for the All Blacks, but it’s something he downplays.

“I have to make the side first for the next campaign,” said Nonu.