All Blacks legend Jonah Lomu ranked some of his toughest opponents from his stellar career back in 2001.
Born in Auckland, Lomu burst onto the international rugby scene in the mid-1990s, becoming an icon and revolutionizing the game with his exceptional size, speed, and power.
Standing at 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing over 250 pounds, Lomu possessed a rare combination of strength and agility that made him virtually unstoppable on the field.
Lomu's international career began in 1994 when he made his debut for the All Blacks at the age of 19. Throughout his career, he scored a staggering 37 tries in just 63 tests, a record that still stands today.
His most memorable performance came during the 1995 Rugby World Cup when he bulldozed through opponents and scored four tries against England, capturing the attention of the global rugby community.
Tragically, Lomu's career was cut short by a rare kidney disease, which eventually led to his untimely death in 2015 at the age of 40. Despite his shortened career, Jonah Lomu's impact on rugby cannot be overstated. He remains an enduring figure in the sport, remembered for his incredible athleticism, humility, and the joy he brought to millions of fans around the world.
These four players were the key players in his selection.
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Find out how by clicking here.JONAH LOMU'S TOUGHEST OPPONENT:
4. Joost van der Westhuizen (South Africa)
JONAH LOMU SAID: "Such an honour to have played against him. Still not sure how he made that tackle on me during the 1995 final (Rugby World Cup). I just looked down and my legs were gone."
DID YOU KNOW? He was inducted into the
International Rugby Hall of Fame in 2007
3. Martin Johnson (England)
Johnson's international career began in 1993 when he made his debut for the England national team. He quickly established himself as a dominant force, both as a player and as a captain. Under Johnson's leadership, England achieved notable success, including a Grand Slam in the Five Nations Championship in 2003 and, most notably, winning the Rugby World Cup in the same year.
Standing at 6 feet 7 inches tall, Johnson was a towering presence on the field and was widely respected for his ferocious tackling, line-out skills, and work rate. He earned a reputation as a player who led by example, inspiring his teammates to perform at their best. Johnson's commitment and determination made him one of the most respected figures in the sport.
Following his retirement from playing, Johnson transitioned into coaching and managerial roles, further solidifying his status as an influential figure in rugby. His contributions to the game, both as a player and as a leader, have left an indelible mark on English rugby and earned him a place among the sport's legends.
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
2. Tim Horan (Australia)
LOMU SAID: "Horan was one of the best backs I’ve ever seen."
DID YOU KNOW? As well as inside centre, Horan also played
fly-half and earned one international cap on the wing
1. Emile Ntamack (France)
JONAH LOMU SAID: "He's my toughest opponent for sure,”
“When your taught to defend against someone you’re told to watch his hips because it’s the one place on the body when you’re running that stays in one place,
“The problem with Émile was his whole body shifted, including his hips, meaning when he ran he swayed from side to side so I was always like what the hell am I going to do here. He was also really fleet-footed."
DID YOU KNOW? His oldest son
Romain Ntamack is also a professional rugby union player like his uncle and dad since 2017.