Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith have developed a tremendous relationship © Getty Images

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Most Prolific Partnerships In Test Rugby

• Back three: Jean-Luc Sadourny, Emile Ntamack and Philippe Saint-Andre (France) - 25 Tests
• Midfield: Conrad Smith and Ma'a Nonu (NZ) - 50; Brian O'Driscoll and Gordon D'Arcy (Ireland and British & Irish Lions) - 50
• Halves: Stephen Larkham and George Gregan (Australia) - 79
• Back-row: Lawrence Dallaglio, Neil Back and Richard Hill (England) - 37
• Second-row: Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha (South Africa) - 62
• Front-row: Ewen McKenzie, Phil Kearns and Tony Daly (Australia) - 36

The rugby partnership of Conrad Smith and Ma'a Nonu will reach new heights when New Zealand play South Africa in The Rugby Championship decider at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday, when they will start a Test together for a world-record 51st time.

The 31-year-olds who first combined for Wellington in 2003, and who were Hurricanes teammates a year later, equalled the 50-Test mark of Ireland pair Brian O'Driscoll and Gordon D'Arcy when the All Blacks defeated Argentina in La Plata, but their relationship faces an uncertain future.

Nonu made his Test debut at centre in 2003, and he was a fringe option at the Rugby World Cup in Australia behind captain Tana Umaga. Smith made his Test breakthrough in late 2004, outside Umaga, yet the pair didn't team up at Test level until a freezing night at their Wellington home ground against Ireland in 2008 New Zealand had tried 21 midfield combinations from 2003 to 2007 before coach Graham Henry turned to a combination proven in the domestic game; the validity of that decision has been proven time and again as the pair have since started 50 of New Zealand's 77 Tests.

All Blacks Records

• Back three: Mils Muliaina, Doug Howlett and Joe Rokocoko - 24
• Midfield: Conrad Smith and Ma'a Nonu - 50
• Halves: Andrew Mehrtens and Justin Marshall - 41
• Back-row: Rodney So'oialo, Richie McCaw and Jerry Collins - 20
• Second-row: Ian Jones and Robin Brooke - 45
• Front-row: Olo Brown, Sean Fitzpatrick and Craig Dowd - 34

They have surpassed the other All Blacks records for positional partnerships. Locks Ian Jones and Robin Brooke started 45 Tests together from 1992 to 1997 while Andrew Mehrtens and Justin Marshall reached 41 as a halves pairing from 1996 to 2004.

But how many more Tests will they play together?

Smith has been granted a four-month sabbatical, beginning next week, to help extend his career while Nonu seems set to play club rugby in Europe next year unless one of New Zealand's Super Rugby franchises has a change of heart and signs a player who has a reputation for being difficult to manage.

Nonu's eligibility to play for the All Blacks hence remains to be seen, while the possible return of Sonny Bill Williams to New Zealand rugby from the National Rugby League in Australia may also block his potential Test selection.

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