At his best he was virtually unstoppable as any opponent who dared to stand in his way during Rugby World Cup 1995 will testify.
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The giant winger, the most physically impressive specimen the world of rugby had seen, was an instant sensation, scoring seven tries – four of them in the semi-final win over England – as the All Blacks reached their second final.
All this while Lomu battled against the debilitating effects of nephrotic syndrome, a condition that would ultimately cost him his life in November 2015, aged just 40.
A legend in every sense of the word, Lomu scaled similar heights to those he reached in South Africa at RWC 1999, the eight tries he scored taking his overall tally to 15 – a record since matched by Bryan Habana.
Lomu scored 37 tries in 63 tests for the All Blacks and helped New Zealand win gold at the 1998 Commonwealth Games.
During a Q&A with the Independent, Lomu revealed some advice for players, as well as his impressive gym records at the time.
How do you adapt your training routine to combine the speed and strength which are so essential to your game?
Of the two, speed is the crucial thing. I seem to react fairly quickly to weights – in a week I could put on two and a half or three kilos – so I have to be careful not to train too much and to stay away from the weights a bit. I do repeated speed and cross-training every day. It’s weights for an hour and a half on Monday and then back to the gym later in the week, but mainly for plyometrics and bungee cord. It’s about building up explosive power.
What advice would you give to young players keen to follow in your footsteps?
I’d tell them to enjoy the game and everything else will follow. They need to train as hard as they can but enjoying the game is the most important thing. I discovered rugby union when I went to boarding school – it was the only contact sport they played.
How important is diet?
I pretty much eat the way I feel. We can eat what we like as long as we don’t eat too much. It’s down to us really, but if you don’t look after yourself you’re always going to get shown up on the field.
What do you eat before a big game?
I normally have a large helping of mashed potatoes, bread and spaghetti – with tomato sauce. Most of it is just about carbo-loading really.
GYM RECORDS:
Benchpress: 220kg
Squad: 340kg
EDITORS PICKS:
Jonah Lomu included England legend when naming his toughest ever opponent
Back in 2001, All Blacks legend Jonah Lomu revealed some of the toughest opponents he faced during his iconic career. These four players stood out as pivotal in his selection.
4. Joost van der Westhuizen (South Africa)
South African rugby legend, known for his exceptional skills as a scrum-half. Van der Westhuizen captivated fans with his speed, agility, and tactical brilliance. A key figure in the Springboks’ 1995 Rugby World Cup triumph, his legacy continues to inspire generations of rugby fans.
3. Martin Johnson (England)
Towering presence in English rugby, renowned for his leadership and uncompromising style as a lock forward. Johnson’s imposing stature and tactical acumen made him a formidable force on the pitch. Captaining England to Rugby World Cup victory in 2003 solidified his status as a true rugby legend.
LOMU SAID: “Few players demanded respect on the field like him. A great guy off the field too.”
DID YOU KNOW? In 1990 he was even selected for the New Zealand under-21 side which went on a tour of Australia
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