In 1995, just before Ireland’s opening pool game against New Zealand, Irish winger Richard Wallace was interviewed by a reporter:
Rep: So, Richard. What do you think of your opposite number?
RW: A typically big, strong, talented All Black, no doubt.
Rep: Yeah. Richard, he’s 6 foot 4!
RW: (Wow, that’s tall!)
Rep: He’s nearly 19 stone!
RW: (Oh, Jesus!)
Rep: And, he runs the 100 metres in just over 10 seconds!
RW: (Good Lord!)
(Taken from: From There To Here, by Brendan Fanning)
The next day, most of the rugby world got their first glimpse of Jonah Lomu.
I remember watching the match at home, as Lomu steamrolled over the Irish players. He scored two tries that day, though the most impressive thing he did was to run most of the length of the field shrugging off players. Simon Geoghegan eventually caught him by one leg, but Lomu was able to pass the ball to Josh Kronfeld, who ran in to score.
You couldn’t help but be impressed by the display, even though it was your own team he was decimating.
The rugby world had never seen someone of his dimensions out on the wing before. Wallace himself was one of the bigger wings at the time, and he was 5’11 and 14 stone. Lomu was quite a sight.
New Zealand went on to beat Wales and Scotland before facing England in the semi-final. England had been crowned Grand Slam champions earlier in the year. They were a team full of stars – Jason Leonard, Brian Moore, Martin Johnson, Rob Andrew, Jeremy Guscott, Will Carling and the Underwood brothers. Legends all, it was believed that they would provide a much sterner test than the Celtic countries.
That belief lasted less than two minutes. Lomu was given a bad pass and had to turn to collect the ball. He pushed Tony Underwood aside, ran around Will Carling and then stumbled a bit into Mike Catt, before knocking him to the ground and running over him!
It was incredible. Lomu scored three more tries in the first half, in possibly the most impressive 20 minutes of rugby ever seen.
South Africa managed to nullify the threat of Lomu in the final, but by then a star had been born. Lomu looked set to become rugby’s first global superstar, a player who would transcend the sport. Rugby’s answer to Pele or Michael Jordan.
Unfortunately, Lomu’s toughest opponent would not be met on the field. What was unknown at the time was that Jonah Lomu was suffering from the effects of Nephrotic Syndrome, a serious and chronic kidney illness. Between World Cup matches, he’d be bedridden for days.
Lomu went on to score 37 tries in 63 Tests, scoring against every major country he played, apart from South Africa. He also holds the record of most World Cup tries scored, with 15 from 11 matches. All while battling this terrible, destructive kidney illness.
He suffered horribly from the illness, requiring dialysis three times a week in 2003 and was almost confined to a wheelchair. Luckily he managed to receive a kidney transplant (donated by a New Zealand radio presenter). He continued to suffer kidney problems, however, which scuppered his attempts at a comeback.
Lomu left the world some great memories in his short career. Here are some of the highlights:
Old Bugger
Guest
Absolutely agree on this one mate.....and to the big guy, happy b'day and thanks heaps, for the memories.
JimmyB
Guest
I think you're right Targa. Happy Birthday Jonah. Legend.
Squirrel
Roar Rookie
Yeah best back three ever. I'd say best backline ever
Chivas
Guest
An absolute legend. A privilege to have watched him live and on television throughout his entire playing career both internationally and domestically. An absolute beast of a player with a massive heart. If there was ever a John Henry of rugby it is Jonah. May the years treat you and those you love kindly, Jonah. You have blessed the lives of so many and been such a great role model in life as well as sport. Thank you for being you. Happy birthday :-)
ben
Guest
I remember doing a trial where this wesley college boy called casino doyle put another wesley boy in hospital for stealing his car. During the trial half the wesley college 1st xv gave evidence...they were all huge. Jonah was 1 of the witnesses and a giant 5th former whom i had heard of but never seen. Couldnt believe how big he was aged 15 or 16. The victim was the last witness and was tiny...the jury started laughing after seeing these giants in school uniform....then he walks in.
Pita
Guest
+ 1
Akari
Roar Rookie
When I first heard about this up-and-coming rugby kid called, Jonah Lomu, I flew into Sydney after work to watch him play for the NZ Colts (they were then called) against Australia in the early 1990s. Although playing in the forwards, I was so impressed that, on returning home, I told everyone and anyone to watch out for this new sensation in world rugby. I also recall taking my son to watch Jonah Lomu play against the Brumbies at Canberra Stadium and surprise, surprise, all his mates had also turned up for the game. They weren't there just to watch Jonah play as they were supporting the Canes on the night to my surprise. This is truly the influence of Lomu on people in rugby that they end up supporting him and his team. It is also rare to see locals supporting a visiting team. Thank you Declan for the reminder and Happy Birthday Champ.
Bfc
Guest
Lomu..."rugby legend"! Even through our red/wattle tinted glasses...:) In years to come people will talk of watching him 'live' and the awe. The first global superstar of rugby indeed, and none have managed that again...
Phil
Guest
I lived in NZ from 1992-1995 and was lucky enough to see the emergence of Jonah from a schoolboy athletics champion to a rugby superstar.If I recall,his pet athletics event was the hurdles,which is hard to imagine such a huge lad leaping over hurdles at such a pace. Cannot help but be impressed by the way he handled his illness,probably as much as his prowess on the rugby field.
Dwayne Johnson
Guest
One of the greats indeed and in 2014 was voted by the NZ Herald as the Greatest All Black OAT. The radio jockey mentioned was Grant Kereama.
Lindsay Amner
Roar Guru
Not only a great player, but a lovely humble bloke as well. Not too good at picking wives, but a superstar in all other respects.
RobC
Roar Guru
Thanks for highlighting this Declan. All the way from Dublin. Welcome to the club, Jonah. One of the best ambassadors of Rugby. Still well known 20 years after his time on field. I hope though that he encourages people who have illnesses to speak out. It's not good to hide it
Lara
Guest
Special in every way, Happy Birthday to a true gentleman of the game.
Digby
Roar Guru
Well said Kia. Thank you Declan.
Hertryk
Guest
Happy Birthday Champ.. Inspirational and great guy..Loved your book :)
Dsat24
Guest
Nice write up about a giant of the game. After footy his heart is still in it with his myriad of community events. Didnt he pitch up at a Wallabies training a couple seasons back.
Geoff Parkes
Expert
Thanks Declan. Puts all the rubbish we're reading about Naiyarovoro being "another Lomu" into perspective.
Targa
Guest
Great player and global superstar. I don't think there will ever be a back 3 as good as Lomu, Wilson & Cullen.
Taylorman
Guest
Yes and that was one of the more embarrassing things that when post 1995 Lomu kept failing to meet the pre season fitness targets leaving fans to believe he was being lazy in the off season when he was actually receiving treatment for his condition. He never let anyone know for fear of not being selected for the AB's and battled as a 21,22 year old through it all himself until much later when he finally disclosed it. To perform his entire career at those levels with the kidney condition whilst keeping it under wraps those early days was nothing short of super human.
ben
Guest
...and he kept his illness a secret. Never used it as an excuse despite criticism of him during his playing days. Be had every right to use it as more than an excuse.