Thirty years ago this month, Jonah Lomu played his first Test match for New Zealand, making history as the youngest All Black at 19 years and 45 days, surpassing Edgar Wrigley’s record from 1905.
However, June 26, 1994, was not a memorable day for Lomu, as the All Blacks lost 22-8 to France in Christchurch, marking only the second victory for Les Bleus in New Zealand in 33 years. A week later, France secured their first series win in New Zealand at Eden Park, a venue where no international team has won since.
The two-Test series is best remembered for France’s dramatic win in the dying minutes of the second Test in Auckland, known as ‘the try from the end of the world.’ The try, which can be watched on YouTube, began from a line-out at halfway. All Black fly-half Stephen Bachop kicked the ball deep into the French 22, where it was collected by Philippe Saint-André. Rather than pass to his full-back Jean-Luc Sadourny, Saint-André decided to run, having earlier urged his teammates to take risks. He evaded several tackles before being brought down by Mark Cooksley. The ball was quickly recycled and moved to Abdel Benazzi, who feigned a pass and found Emile Ntamack. Ntamack linked with Laurent Cabannes, who then passed to Yann Delaigue. Delaigue evaded a tackle and passed to Guy Accoceberry, who, despite tiring legs, passed to Sadourny for the match-winning score.
Watching the clip now, one can see how much rugby has changed, with less defensive structure and more space for attackers. No one felt this more than the young Lomu, who was fooled by Benazzi’s dummy and outmaneuvered by Ntamack and Cabannes.
John Kirwan, who played on the opposite wing and was nearing the end of his illustrious career, reflected on Lomu’s readiness. He noted that Lomu, despite his size and speed, was likely too inexperienced at the time.
Before Lomu, Kirwan was one of the most physically imposing wingers in Test rugby, but Lomu’s arrival, with his additional weight and speed, set a new standard. Kirwan recalled being dazzled by Lomu’s physical presence and speed during a trial match.
All Black coach Laurie Mains believed Lomu was ready for Test rugby despite his inexperience. However, Lomu’s inexperience was exposed against a formidable French side known for their audacity and unstructured play, characteristics that often led to spectacular results, such as Serge Blanco’s famous try against Australia in the 1987 World Cup semi-final.
In those days, amateur players lacked the fitness of today’s professionals, which the French exploited by capitalizing on the extra space as matches wore on. This era ended with the advent of professionalism in 1995, a transition symbolized by Lomu, who became rugby union’s first global superstar.
Following the series defeat to France, Mains acknowledged Lomu’s premature elevation and sent him back to his club for more experience. Lomu quickly adapted and was selected for the 1995 World Cup, where he dominated like no player before or since, drawing comparisons to Pele’s impact on football.
Lomu’s performances elevated rugby’s global profile, earning him international fame and transforming the sport’s image from an ‘old farts’ game, as Will Carling put it, to one of glamour and excitement. Lomu’s impact was crucial in driving rugby into the professional era.
Lomu passed away in 2015, leaving a lasting legacy. That same year, France reached a low point, suffering a 62-13 defeat to the All Blacks in the World Cup quarter-final, highlighting their struggle to adapt to the professional era. It took France years to recognize the importance of fitness, nutrition, and structure, a realization that came long after they had embarrassed the young player who would go on to revolutionize rugby.
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