Ma'a Nonu acknowledges the crowd in Newcastle after playing his 100th test for the All Blacks.

All Blacks leader Richie McCaw felt Ma'a Nonu delivered a performance befitting his 100th test for the team as he presented the dynamic back with his silver cap.

Nonu put in a strong performance in the All Blacks' tough 47-9 win at Newcastle.

His strong defence and powerful running mixed with some clever distribution helped hold off the Tongan challenge and then allowed the All Blacks to break free over the final half hour.

PHIL WALTER/GETTY IMAGES Ma'a Nonu is presented a cap by long-time skipper Richie McCaw after playing his 100th test for the All Blacks.

Nonu even capped his milestone match with a late try.

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McCaw, himself a centurion, was rich in his praise for Nonu as the dreadlocked Wellington star became the sixth All Black to reach three figures in test appearances.

"It's a huge achievement just to play one test let alone a hundred. Tonight you should be extremely proud," McCaw said.

"Like all players you have had your ups and downs as an All Black but it's a testament to your hard work and determination that you are still putting out performances like that tonight."

McCaw, presenting a moving speech, said he had thought long and hard about the best way to sum up Nonu "as an All Black and as a person".

"I'd say he's loyal to his team mates, would give anything to the jersey, and would give anything to the brothers beside him. He cares deeply about the legacy of the All Blacks and does everything he can to add to it.

"All the boys see the hard work you put in mate, all the hard work so you can play like a champion every week.

"Ma'a Nonu is a proud Samoan-New Zealander. He's a champion All Black, he represents his family, his team mates and his country with a huge amount of pride and respect.

"We salute you on a hundred tests, congratulations."

Nonu was typically low key as he awkwardly wore the commemorative cap on his dreadlocked head.

"I'd like to thank my family, my wife and kids. I'd like to thank my brothers, the ABs and ABs management. I love the support from the brothers."

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New Zealand Rugby Chairman Brent Impey also congratulated Nonu, All Black No 1031, on joining an exclusive club of exceptional current and former All Blacks. Dan Carter, McCaw, Keven Mealamu, Mils Muliaina and Tony Woodcock have all reached the milestone since 2011.

"This is a great achievement for a very popular player who's made a tremendous contribution to the All Blacks and New Zealand rugby," Impey said.

"Ma'a has grown immensely as a player over the years. He's a hard working individual who's always determined to do his best.

"Ma'a has firmly stamped his mark on the game with his distinctive style in the mid-field. On and off the field he has represented his country with great pride and it's no surprise that he's become a firm favourite of fans young and old."

Nonu, 33, who made his test debut against England in Wellington in 2003, is the longest serving No 12 in All Blacks history is the sixth most capped player in the side.

Nonu, who has scored 30 test tries for the All Blacks, has appeared most often against Australia making 23 appearances. Other appearances are: South Africa (16), France (14), England (12), Argentina, Wales (7), Ireland (6), Italy (4), Scotland, Tonga (2) and one each against the British and Irish Lions, Canada, Fiji, Japan, Namibia and Samoa.