Jonah Lomu's Insane Bench Press Record Beat England Legends Joe Marler & Andrew Sheridan
Today at 04:13 AM
At his best he was virtually unstoppable as any opponent who dared to stand in his way during Rugby World Cup 1995 will testify.
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The giant winger, the most physically impressive specimen the world of rugby had seen, was an instant sensation, scoring seven tries – four of them in the semi-final win over England – as the All Blacks reached their second final.
All this while Lomu battled against the debilitating effects of nephrotic syndrome, a condition that would ultimately cost him his life in November 2015, aged just 40. A legend in every sense of the word, Lomu scaled similar heights to those he reached in South Africa at RWC 1999, the eight tries he scored taking his overall tally to 15 – a record since matched by Bryan Habana.
Lomu scored 37 tries in 63 tests for the All Blacks and helped New Zealand win gold at the 1998 Commonwealth Games.
During a Q&A with the Independent, Lomu revealed some advice for players, as well as his impressive gym records at the time.
How do you adapt your training routine to combine the speed and strength which are so essential to your game?
Of the two, speed is the crucial thing. I seem to react fairly quickly to weights – in a week I could put on two and a half or three kilos – so I have to be careful not to train too much and to stay away from the weights a bit. I do repeated speed and cross-training every day. It’s weights for an hour and a half on Monday and then back to the gym later in the week, but mainly for plyometrics and bungee cord. It’s about building up explosive power.
What advice would you give to young players keen to follow in your footsteps?
I’d tell them to enjoy the game and everything else will follow. They need to train as hard as they can but enjoying the game is the most important thing. I discovered rugby union when I went to boarding school – it was the only contact sport they played.
How important is diet?
I pretty much eat the way I feel. We can eat what we like as long as we don’t eat too much. It’s down to us really, but if you don’t look after yourself you’re always going to get shown up on the field.
What do you eat before a big game?
I normally have a large helping of mashed potatoes, bread and spaghetti – with tomato sauce. Most of it is just about carbo-loading really.
GYM RECORDS:
Benchpress: 220kg
Squad: 340kg
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NIGEL OWENS DREAM XV:
Fullback: Israel Folau (Australia)
Owens said: “For me, it's nip and tuck between Halfpenny and Folau, next to nothing to choose between them. Leigh is brilliant because under the high ball and with his kicking at goal under pressure. He may not always break the line when running but puts his body on the line in defence and is a top-notch match-winner.
“But I go for Folau – only just, I should stress – because of his ability to seemingly beat his man every time he gets the ball in his hand. He's such an exciting player and like Leigh he is one of the best under the high ball.
“It's a toss of a coin for me… and it's come down in Folau's favour.”
Winger: Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Owens said: “How can you fail to be impressed when watching Hogg play. He's so exciting as he burst into that line and, of course, was named Six Nations player of the tournament.
“I know he's a full-back for Scotland, but he is so quick and direct he could easily play on the wing. He reminds me a bit of Shane Williams with some of the things he does.
“When you see who is on the other wing in my team, you'll see how they would work brilliantly in tandem.”
Outside-centre: Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Owens said: “Not only is he one of the greatest centres in the history of rugby union but he's a fantastic man off the field as well. O'Driscoll has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport and a real leader. He always respected referees and set the right example for others to follow.
“A legend of the game who conducted himself superbly, on and off the pitch.”
Inside-centre: Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand)
Owens said: “He's another brilliant player and after every game, win or lose, he would come up and give me a hug. Ma'a has always found time at after-match functions or at breakfast if we've been staying at the same hotel to come over and have a chat.
“What a player, mind, too. One of the stalwarts of the New Zealand side for so many years.”
Winger: Shane Williams (Wales)
Owens said: “When people ask me who is the best player I have refereed it's pretty much an impossible task to pick one because I've been lucky enough to take charge of so many greats.
“But if I'm pushed, I would pick Shane for what he achieved after coming from football at 17 or 18 years of age.
“He was in the mould of Gerald Davies in how he left defenders gasping for air as he beat them with those dazzling sidesteps. Nobody would fancy defending against a back three of Shane, Hogg and Folau, I can tell you that.”
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