Rugby: Lomu's pep-talk gives All Blacks' valuable boost

Jonah Lomu. Photo / Supplied

A stirring pre-test address from Jonah Lomu helped lift the All Blacks to their best rugby test performance of the year against France.

France-based Lomu was the All Blacks' guest of honour on Thursday as he spoke to the players and urged them to reach great heights.

Fullback Mils Muliaina said: "We had the big man come in on Thursday; that was awesome to see a guy like that talk to us about where he's at. We were really inspired by the things he said."

Lomu starred in the 1995 and 1999 World Cups for the All Blacks, but his international career was cut short in 2002 by a debilitating kidney illness which later required a transplant.

He moved to Marseille this month after signing a three-year deal with third-division club Marseille-Vitrolles, on top of his busy role as global rugby ambassador for adidas.

"He spoke a lot about him still wanting to be in the black jersey, and he still dreams about it today. For an older guy like me, that inspires you to keep being in the environment and want to play your best," Muliaina said.

"He lost it through sickness and you never know what's about the corner. That in itself is inspiring."

Having had time to digest Lomu's words, Muliaina said he sensed the All Blacks were ready to explode at Stade Velodrome on a cool, clear night after some patchy efforts in their recent wins.

Having scored three tries from their past three tests in Europe, they scored five tries to none in the 39-12 victory, with Muliaina again producing an imposing performance at the back.

"Everything was just perfect: the weather, the field, the occasion. Just running out tonight, leaving the changing rooms, you just knew something was going to happen. You could see it on the boys' faces. We're absolutely delighted."

Coach Graham Henry also paid tribute to Lomu and his role in inspiring the All Blacks in recent days.

"Jonah's an icon in the game in New Zealand. We're very proud of All Blacks history and what the All Blacks have achieved over 105 years, and he was a special player," Henry said.

"He played 63 test matches and was a very influential player in his time. To see him here, and to talk to the team and to be here today, was inspirational for the young fellas. It was very good to see him."

- NZPA