Terrorising defences: Jonah Lomu’s best matches

Jonah Lomu burst onto the world scene with his iconic display against England in the 1995 Rugby World Cup in South Africa, scoring four tries in a 45-29 semi-final win.

But the left wing caused terror to many other defences, including Ireland, over an eight-year career for the All Blacks.

New Zealand 43 Ireland 19 — 1995

By the time Lomu shot to stardom against England in the last four he had already caused Ireland headaches in the group stage with two tries — his first in international rugby. His first came after he shrugged off three tackles on the wing to touch down to put his team ahead before racing clear in the second half.

Italy 6 New Zealand 70 — 1995

With Italy still an emerging nation, Lomu made hay with two tries in an All Blacks rout. His first enhanced his reputation as a man-mountain as he fought off three Italian backs trying to haul him down to power over the line, before showing off his pace with a sprint from his own 22 to run under the posts.

New Zealand 69 Scotland 20 — 2000

Lomu was still at the top of his game in the new millennium and put Scotland to the sword in Dunedin, registering his second Test hat-trick. His first try saw him beat two tackles and recover from falling down before touching down in the corner. He then ran clear from the 22 while stretching his legs to go under the posts and complete his hat-trick.

Australia 35 New Zealand 39 — 2000

Regarded as one of the greatest rugby matches of all time, it was Lomu that had the final say in the opening contest of the 2000 Tri-Nations. Trailing 35-34 to eventual champions Australia in the third minute of added time, the ball ended up with Lomu on the left and he did the rest, running around two tackles to touch down and earn the All Blacks a famous win.

England 31 New Zealand 28 — 2002

Lomu went out in the same way as he came in — by terrorising England. The wing registered his final two tries for the All Blacks in an Autumn International at Twickenham. He showed his power to squeeze home into the corner for his first and then rolled back the years for his second and last try by making a mockery of four England players trying to stop him.