Barney Corkhill's A Tribute To.. series branches out to look at other sports, this time rugby. In this series I look at legends from sport and pay tribute to them.
Today's tribute is for the man who changed the face of rugby. He was a phenomenon, a freak of nature, and an instant legend. No-one has had a bigger impact on the game in such a short amount of time. It is, of course, the man-mountain that is Jonah Lomu.
Jonah Tali Lomu, born on May 12th, 1975 grew up watching, and loving rugby. In New Zealand, a country where rugby dominates, it seemed natural that he would start playing the sport at an early age.
He showed great potential early on as well. However, it wasn't Rugby Union that Lomu was making his mark in. Up until the age of 14, Lomu played Rugby League. Eventually, however, he switched codes and gave Union a try.
By the age of just 17 years old, Lomu was named in New Zealand's under-19 side. His size, power and pace were frightening, and the very next year, at just 18, he was included in the under-21 side.
Despite great performances at both these levels, it was in the 1994 Hong Kong sevens tournament that Lomu began to draw people's attention.
His form for Counties Manukau in the NPC ensured his place in the side. He was perfect for sevens. Tall, strong and lightning quick.
In a team consisting of the likes of Christian Cullen, who would later also go on to achieve All Black legendary status, Lomu shined brightest.
Cullen and Lomu, along with Eric Rush, led a fearsome New Zealand side, which went on to win the tournament, with a 32-20 win over Australia in the final.
His form in the Sevens tournament, and his continued good form for Counties Manukau, won him a place in the full New Zealand squad.
Aged just 19 years and 45 days, Jonah Lomu was named as New Zealand's winger against France. He became the youngest All Black Test player ever. Unfortunately for him, the French outplayed New Zealand, and won the match 22-8.
Lomu showed small glimpses of what he could do, but the potential was still there and still to be fulfilled. He did well enough to ensure his place in the team for New Zealand's next match. Again it was against France, and again it was a loss, this time 23-20.
Despite losing every game he had played in for New Zealand, Lomu was named in the squad for the 1995 World Cup.
A legend was about to be born.
In his first ever World Cup match, a 43-19 win against Ireland, he contributed two tries. One part of the British Isles had seen this player in near full flow. It would only be a matter of time until the rest did.
Wales were up next and, although Lomu didn't score, he caused havoc before being substituted. It was clear Lomu was a talent. A good find in the World Cup.
In the quarter-final he scored his third try of the tournament against Scotland, helping the All Blacks to a 48-30 win.
The only country left was England.
England were the favourites. Finalists four years previously, and having already dumped holders Australia out, they were the team most expected to win.
But then again, most hadn't seen Jonah Lomu is devastating form.
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