How would rugby legend Jonah Lomu fare in a 100m race against the legendary Usain Bolt?
The late great Jonah Lomu was for a time the world’s fastest rugby player – but how would he fare in a 100m race against the legendary Usain Bolt.
A study from October 1998 found that Lomu was the world’s fastest player, clocking a top speed of 10.6 metres per second.
This reportedly equates to around 22.3mph. Pretty speedy, right?
But does this mean he could give Bolt, the fastest man in history, a run for his money in a 100m sprint?
Jonah Lomu vs Usain Bolt: Who would win 100m race?
Lomu was far from your average human – so would the All Blacks legend stand a better chance against the Jamaican icon?
Based on his top speeds, his 100m time has been calculated.
#2. Jonah Lomu – 10.82 seconds
1. Usain Bolt – 9.58 seconds
Sir Ian McGeechan Asked To Name His All-Time XV
Sir Ian McGeechan has unveiled his ultimate XV, omitting Paul O’Connell, David Campese, and Jonny Wilkinson from his lineup.
In his article for The Telegraph, the 74-year-old has chosen six New Zealanders, three Englishmen, two Welsh players, and one each from France, Scotland, and Ireland in his all-time greatest team.
BACK-THREE
Fullback: JPR Williams (Wales) – “Not a staggeringly original choice, I’ll admit. But to my mind the only one. If I’m going to be picking a dream XV then I want JPR at the back. No question, guarenteed starter.”
Left-wing: Jonah Lomu (New Zealand) – “Illness and injury ultimately slowed him down. But his performances at the 1995 World Cup, just as the game was turning professional, will never be forgotten. The game needed a superstar, and it got one in Lomu. He was brilliant for rugby.”
Right-wing: John Kirwan (New Zealand) – “He had an all round game; he could carry the ball through heavy traffic, he could offload, he was like an extra back-rower at times. Plus, he had natural effortless pace. He ended up scoring 35 tries for the All Blacks and was instrumental as they went through their unbeaten spell of games between 1987 and 1990.”
CENTRES
Outside-centre: Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland) – “His ability to get back on his feet after tackling to compete for the ball was extraordinary, and ensured he always had an impact on the game, whatever type of game it was. He was such a natural talent.”
Inside-centre: Philippe Sella (France) – “Sella and O’Driscoll were powerful men. They could stop a forward in his tracks. I think as a pair they would dominate any midfield and I like the thought of them together.”