The late, great Jonah Lomu remains one of rugby’s most iconic figures. The towering All Blacks winger revolutionised the sport with his jaw-dropping mix of power, speed, and sheer athleticism.
If you were unlucky enough to face him on the pitch, chances are you’ve still got bruises.
Lomu, who passed away in 2015, left behind a rugby legacy that’s as mighty as the man himself. While he bulldozed his way through many defences, there were a select few who gave him a run for his money.
In 2001, Lomu ranked the four players who pushed him to his limits on the field – and his choices may surprise you!
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4. Joost van der Westhuizen (South Africa)
The guy who just wouldn’t let Jonah Lomu pass
Joost van der Westhuizen wasn’t your average scrum-half – he was a Springbok colossus. Known for his blistering speed and tactical genius, Joost had the audacity to halt Lomu in his tracks during the 1995 Rugby World Cup final, a moment etched in history.
Lomu said: “Such an honour to have played against him. Still not sure how he made that tackle on me during the final. I just looked down and my legs were gone.”
Did you know? Joost was inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame in 2007. Not too shabby!
3. Martin Johnson (England)
England’s lion-hearted captain
Martin Johnson didn’t just lead England to their 2003 Rugby World Cup triumph – he intimidated everyone on the field with his sheer presence. The man was a walking wall in the second row, and even Jonah Lomu had to acknowledge his leadership and tenacity.
Johnson also selected Lomu in his dream team of players faced.
Lomu said: “Few players demanded respect on the field like him. A great guy off the field too.”
Did you know? Johnson was once picked for the New Zealand U21 side. Yes, New Zealand – before he swapped the black for the white of England!
2. Tim Horan (Australia)
The centre who had it all
Australia’s Tim Horan was the kind of player coaches dream about. A two-time World Cup winner, Horan wasn’t just quick, he was smart – and he had a habit of slicing through even the toughest defences. Lomu was full of admiration for the Wallabies’ inside centre, calling him one of the best backs he’d ever played against.
Lomu said: “Horan was one of the best backs I’ve ever seen.”
Did you know? Horan was so versatile, he even earned a cap on the wing! Not many centres can claim that.
1. Emile Ntamack (France)
The elusive Frenchman who gave Lomu headaches
Topping Lomu’s list is France’s Emile Ntamack – yes, the father of current French star Romain Ntamack. Back in the day, Emile was a wing wizard, leaving defenders (even Lomu!) confused with his unpredictable movements. Lomu himself admitted that Ntamack’s sidestepping ability was something out of this world.
Jonah Lomu said: “He’s my toughest opponent for sure. The problem with Émile was his whole body shifted when he ran, including his hips. I was always like, what the hell am I going to do here?”
Did you know? Ntamack played a crucial role in France’s run to the 1999 World Cup final – the same tournament where his son Romain would later shine decades on.
“Wilkinson was special” – Martin Johnson has selected his all-time dream team
n a sensational rugby revelation, the legendary Martin Johnson, widely regarded as one of the most iconic figures in the world of rugby union, has just unveiled his ultimate XV.
The shocker? This star-studded lineup surprisingly leaves out some of the sport’s all-time greats, including the likes of Lawrence Dallaglio, Shane Williams, Brian O’Driscoll, and Jason Robinson.
Renowned for his historic role as the captain who masterfully steered England to their unforgettable victory at the 2003 Rugby World Cup and his groundbreaking leadership with the British & Irish Lions in both 1997 and 2001 – a remarkable achievement never replicated in the annals of rugby history.
Throughout his illustrious career, Johnson was a linchpin in two glorious Grand Slam-winning England teams in 1995, and once again, he donned the captain’s armband during the unforgettable 2003 campaign.
BACK-THREE:
Fullback: Serge Blanco (France) – “A great France full back who dominated games.”
Winger: Joe Roff (Australia) – “You’d put David Campese up there but Roff is my choice. A fantastic all-round rugby player, and old-style wing.”
Winger: Jonah Lomu (New Zealand) – “Not much difficulty in choosing one of the most awesome wings to have ever played.”
CENTRES:
Outside-centre: Philippe Sella (France) – “I used to watch him as a kid on TV and think he was brilliant; and then ten years later I played against him and he was still brilliant. He still looks as if he could play for France today. One of the best backs I’ve ever seen. If you hit him it was like running into concrete.”
Inside-centre: Danie Gerber (South Africa) – “Scored a hat-trick against England in the first half in one match in the 1980s. He didn’t play many Tests because of apartheid, but he had power and pace. I don’t know if he could pass: it seemed like he never needed to. I played against him in a charity match in 1996 when he must have been well into his 40s, he was still awesome.”
