Jonah Lomu Revealed the Toughest Opponent He Ever Faced"

Today at 10:01 AM

Jonah Lomu, the All Blacks legend, once reflected on the toughest opponents he faced during his illustrious career. The New Zealand winger, renowned for revolutionizing rugby with his sheer power and speed, shared his admiration for a select group of players back in 2001.

A groundbreaking figure in rugby, Lomu exploded onto the global stage during the 1995 Rugby World Cup. His unforgettable performance, including a four-try demolition of England, solidified his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats. Despite battling health challenges, he continued to inspire on and off the pitch.

Here are the four players who made Jonah Lomu’s list of toughest opponents:

4. Joost van der Westhuizen (South Africa)

A South African icon, Joost van der Westhuizen was a world-class scrum-half known for his speed and tactical acumen. Key to the Springboks' victory in the 1995 Rugby World Cup, Joost's fearless performances earned him global admiration.

JONAH LOMU SAID:
"Such an honour to have played against him. Still not sure how he made that tackle on me during the 1995 final (Rugby World Cup). I just looked down and my legs were gone."

DID YOU KNOW?
He was inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame in 2007.

Watch his legendary tackle here.

3. Martin Johnson (England)

As England's 2003 Rugby World Cup-winning captain, Martin Johnson's leadership and physicality made him a towering presence on the field. A formidable lock, Johnson was widely respected for his influence on and off the pitch.

JONAH LOMU SAID:
"Few players demanded respect on the field like him. A great guy off the field too."

DID YOU KNOW?
In 1990, Johnson was selected for the New Zealand under-21 team and toured Australia.

2. Tim Horan (Australia)

Tim Horan, the versatile Australian center, was a cornerstone of two World Cup-winning teams (1991 and 1999). Known for his strategic mind and precision, Horan left a lasting legacy as one of rugby's finest backs.

JONAH LOMU SAID:
"Horan was one of the best backs I've ever seen."

DID YOU KNOW?
Horan also played fly-half and even earned one international cap on the wing.

See Tim Horan’s highlights here.

1. Émile Ntamack (France)

The former French winger Émile Ntamack was known for his dazzling footwork and unorthodox style. A vital member of the French team in the late 1990s, Ntamack's elusive running posed unique challenges for defenders.

JONAH LOMU SAID:
"He's my toughest opponent for sure. When you’re taught to defend against someone, you’re told to watch their hips because that's the one place on the body that stays in one place when running. The problem with Émile was his whole body shifted, including his hips, meaning when he ran, he swayed from side to side."

DID YOU KNOW?
Ntamack played a crucial role in France's journey to the 1999 Rugby World Cup final.

Can you name every England Rugby captain of the professional era?

Whether it’s the grit of Will Carling in the 90s, the tactical brilliance of Martin Johnson, or the fearless leadership of Owen Farrell, this quiz will challenge even the most dedicated fans.

Think you can name them all? Grab your boots and let’s see how well you know the men who led England into battle on the world stage!

The post Jonah Lomu Revealed the Toughest Opponent He Ever Faced” appeared first on Ruck.