Following Jonah Lomu rapidly became a spectator sport at the 1995 World Cup in South Africa.
Only those who witnessed the public chaos and moving hordes of adulation trail Lomu could comprehend the magnetic attraction of the young man who became the code's first global superstar after his opening match against Ireland. It was remarkable that this massive wing, in his test infancy, gained so much attention that media magnate Rupert Murdoch demanded his signature for a professional career.
New Zealanders watched and wondered the year before as Lomu made his awkward teenage test debut and was then taken off the international roster and told to work through the provincial competition. He joined the All Black camps and battled with the fitness demands as the public tut-tutted and frowned about his potential.
Gridiron called and Lomu was keen to be a Dallas Cowboy until mates like Eric Rush, Frank Bunce, Walter Little and Michael Jones persuaded him to stay for the North-South trial. He was devastating in that match and plans to have him at the World Cup were reactivated.
It was tough going but the big man made the squad. The difference between Lomu
training in NZ and Lomu in action in South Africa was spectacular. Attention exploded as security increased for the All Blacks while Lomu needed personal protection.
