Johnson gives testimony to Lomu's courage

Digest/ TESTIMONIAL: Rugby said farewell to one of its biggest icons at Twickenham on Saturday, but the loss has been tempered by the rebirth of another giant of the sport.

England's World Cup-winning captain, Martin Johnson, brought down the curtain on his 16-year career with victory in his testimonial match.

The Nobok Challenge, between invitational sides from the northern and southern hemispheres, also provided the setting for Jonah Lomu to make a potentially legendary comeback.

Lomu's career had been blighted by the kidney disease nephrotic syndrome and he underwent a transplant last July.

The giant All Black winger has targeted a return in the 2007 World Cup and on Saturday he took the first step toward his goal, earning the total respect of Johnson in the process.

"That match would have been bloody hard to play after spending two years out of rugby, never mind having a kidney transplant as well. I hadn't played for three weeks and I found it hard," said Johnson.

"Credit to Jonah for what he's trying to do. I've been really impressed by him . . . I've got absolute respect for what he's trying to do and I wish him all the best. I hope he succeeds."

Lomu's night was cut short by a dislocated shoulder, which prevented his emerging for the second half, but the 30-year-old was pleased the first stage of his comeback had been completed.

"I enjoyed it. This was the stepping stone for me. I'm starting again and I want to reach the top again. You have to start from somewhere and this is the start for me," he said.

"North Harbour will decide when my next game is. I'll sit down with the coaching staff and see where they want me to go."

Former All Black boss John Hart - who helped prepare the southern hemisphere side - paid a stirring tribute to Lomu.

"Just 12 months ago I would have given Jonah no chance of playing football again . . . what he achieved yesterday was monumental," he said.

"He gives hope to people around the world that no mountain is too high to climb. What we've seen is very special."

LIONS TOUR: Scotland international Jason White has voiced his disappointment at not being called into the Lions squad after Lawrence Dallaglio was ruled out for the rest of the tour.

Lions coach Clive Woodward overlooked White and called up Ireland's Simon Easterby as Dallaglio's replacement.

White is recovering from a fractured thumb but insists he would have been available and said: "I am disappointed but I still have a cast on my thumb and wires in.

"I honestly don't know if the thumb was the reason that Woodward opted for Easterby but I am going to keep training and keep fit anyway. There are some big hits going in on this tour and injuries obviously happen."

WALES TOUR: Wales captain Mark Taylor believes there is still room for improvement before the clash with Canada despite the emphatic 77-3 victory over USA Eagles in Hartford.

The Six Nations champions yesterday headed for Toronto, where they play Canada on the last leg of their North American tour on Saturday, brimming with confidence following their 11-try demolition of the Eagles.

The win capped a memorable day for Taylor, who retained his unbeaten run as captain on the day he became the 15th player in Welsh history to win 50 caps.

However, he feels Wales must improve before facing what he sees as the tougher challenge posed by the Canucks.

"We made a few errors in both defence and attack so there are a few different areas we will need to look at this week," he said.

"But all in all we are all very pleased with how things went. Conditions were extremely hot yet the teams went out there and did a very professional job."

The game was virtually over after just 20 minutes when Wales hit the Eagles with a stunning spell that saw Ceri Sweeney, Craig Morgan, Nicky Robinson and Kevin Morgan score tries.

Lock Jonathan Thomas and wing Rhys Williams scored before half-time as Wales went into the break leading 42-3.

Colin Charvis then scored a brace of tries either side of Mike Phillips's solo effort before new caps Tal Selley and Richie Pugh stepped off the bench to score their first international tries.