To mark the twentieth anniversary of the first-ever Rugby World Cup match, the Visa Rugby Legends have chosen Jonah Lomu as the player they believe has had the greatest impact on the Rugby World Cup during its first two decades. The Visa Rugby Legends, Zinzan Brooke (New Zealand), John Eales (Australia), Martin Johnson (England), Philippe Sella (France), and Joel Stransky (South Africa) spoke about the power and pace that made Lomu a remarkable player.
According to fellow All Black Zinzan Brooke, who played with Jonah at the Rugby World Cup 1995, "Jonah's performances were, simply put, just immense." Lomu burst on to the international rugby stage at Rugby World Cup 1995 in South Africa. The ease with which he decimated defenses as he charged his way to the try line has made a lasting impact not only on Rugby World Cup, but the sport as a whole. Following the tournament, fans and players agreed that rugby had its first global superstar.
His efforts in the Rugby World Cup 1995 semi-final against England provided the viewing public with an iconic Lomu episode. In a game in which he rampaged through England's backline defense and scored four tries, Lomu captured the imagination of rugby fans worldwide and was catapulted into the global limelight. Rugby World Cup 2003 winning captain Martin Johnson, who faced Jonah in that monumental game commented, "Jonah was just so impressive and powerful and just unstoppable."
Following New Zealand's semi-final success they faced South Africa in the final, Visa Rugby Legend Joel Stransky, who kicked South Africa to victory in the 2005 final, recognized that while Lomu is renowned for his physical presence on the pitch, his impact off it was just as significant. "Jonah single-handedly destroyed teams and is undoubtedly the single player who has grown the profile of the game the most and on the broadest scale," Joel commented.
French rugby legend Philippe Sella remembers Lomu's performances in the Rugby World 1999 Cup in Wales. In the semi-final against France Jonah Lomu gave another demonstration of his power and pace scoring two tries. Remembering that match, Philippe noted that, "Jonah's ability in the 1999 semi-final was unbelievable; for his first try he powered through France's defense beating eight players!"
Jonah Lomu has won 63 All Black caps and scored 37 tries for New Zealand, and still leads the Rugby World Cup standings for most tries in the tournament's history. Following in the footsteps of Visa Rugby Legend John Eales, Lomu was presented in 2003 with the International Rugby Players Association's Special Merit Award for his contribution to the international game. According to two-time Rugby World Cup winner Wallaby John Eales, "No player before or since has so dominated an opposition's game plan preparation, Jonah was that good."
The first ever Rugby World Cup match was held on 22 May 1987 at Eden Park, New Zealand, where the host nation ran out comfortable winners against Italy, seventy points to six.
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Note to Editors:
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About Visa Rugby Legends: Visa is proud to continue its eleven-year partnership with rugby's foremost tournament, Rugby World Cup 2007 (RWC 2007) in France, as an Official Worldwide Partner of Rugby World Cup 2007. Visa began its global sponsorship at RWC 1995 in South Africa, and continued its association through RWC 1999 in Wales and RWC 2003 in Australia. Visa is delighted to be joined in its sponsorship by five unique players, four of whom are Rugby World Cup winners, including two Rugby World Cup winning captains, and "legends" of the sport. These five great players are working with Visa as its rugby spokesmen to bring their passion and insight to rugby fans worldwide. They are: Zinzan Brooke (New Zealand), John Eales (Australia); Martin Johnson (England); Philippe Sella (France) and Joel Stransky (South Africa).
Visa Rugby World Cup Debate: Do you agree? Well now is your chance to "have your say" and debate topics like this at Visa's website dedicated to the Rugby World Cup Debate. To have your say and debate the views of the Visa Rugby Legends log on at www.visarugby.com
Contact: For further information on Visa’s Rugby World Cup sponsorship, please contact Michael Sherman, Visa International, at Tel: +1 650 432 3923,
