Editorial: Legend of Lomu will live on

The legend of Jonah Lomu will live on.

Jonah Lomu first made an impression on Northland rugby players and fans at Kamo High School.

Playing number 8 for Wesley College's First XV, sideline jaws dropped at his size, and strength.

But it was his speed that was special.

He scored several tries that day - his modus operandi was to collect the ball on the 22m line from the kick-off, crab sideways looking for a hole or player to run at, and take off.

Lomu would go on to play in front of thousands.

There were maybe a 100 spectators at Kamo that day in 1993 - it was a decent crowd for a First XV game. And they knew they were witnessing something special.

In 1995 Lomu flattened England fullback Mike Catt in the Rugby World Cup.

Just like he did to one or two players at Kamo High School.

In later years, during his prime, Lomu was clocked at 10.7second for the 100m.

Except that Lomu's prime was arguably never reached because of the debilitating kidney problems he had. He played for the All Blacks for a long time, undiagnosed. Who knows for how long he had been affected by the illness that this week claimed his life.

For many people, the RWC in 1995 remains a highlight, but there will also be the lasting memory of the thrill he gave rugby fans, and the fear he instilled in opposition players, each time he had the ball. Because when he was fit and healthy, with ball in hand, no matter where he was on the field, anything could happen. And it often did.

His legend is destined to become stronger, as time goes on. It is a shame he isn't able to be here longer, for that experience.