1
Trailer for Jonah Lomu movie leaves rugby fans buzzing
By RugbyPass
A new mini-series set to air on New Zealand television this month documents the life and tragic passing of the great Jonah Lomu.
The movie will track the early beginnings of the legend of the game, from promising young athlete to devastating international rugby player, and beyond.
Playing the great man will be a young Tongan actor, Mosese Veaila. At 1.98m (6ft 6in) the 21-year-old has the physical attributes to tackle the imposing role, and if this first look is anything to go by, he was the right man for the job.
Lomu, who was the youngest ever All Black when he burst on the scene at the age of 19 years and 45 days old, went on to score 37 tries in his 63 Tests for New Zealand, before retiring in 2002.
He passed away from a heart attack in 2015, aged 40, a result of his long running kidney condition.
“It has been a heart-breaking and emotional journey,” said Nadene Lomu, Lomu’s wife who consulted the production team for the movie.
“But I appreciate the efforts of all involved in bringing Jonah’s story to life, and for the opportunity to collaborate with the production team on this project.”
Chief executive of producers Great Southern Television, Philip Smith, told Stuff in July that the drama would tell “the real story. Not the cliches”.
“We are the first biographers to talk to everyone,” he said. “It will be confronting but an incredible ride at the same time, just like his life. And he will definitely stomp over Mike Catt.”
The two 90-minute parts air on Three New Zealand in the lead up to the Rugby World Cup in Japan.
Watch:
JR East offers the JR EAST PASS for international visitors to Japan which allows sightseers to travel around freely for 5 days on the JR East Japan network.
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Robertson says Italy sensed All Blacks' weaknesses
3
All Blacks player ratings vs Italy
4
Scotland's Sione Tuipulotu admits anger at Australian rugby
5
Latest Comments
Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.
Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.
As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.
Go to commentsGood grief
Beauden was his usual industrious self mixing deft touches with mindless kicks
6 or 7 max!!
Go to comments