Jonah's comeback game could signal rugby revival, says Spencer

Jonah Lomu

LONDON - Jonah Lomu's comeback game could signal the start of an astonishing rugby revival, according to one of his former New Zealand teammates.

Lomu scored the last two of his 37 Test tries at Twickenham in November, 2002 - and played only two more games for the All Blacks before losing kidney function the following year.

But a successful transplant in July 2004 with an organ donated by his friend Grant Kereama was followed by the remarkable recovery that will see the giant wing make his first appearance since his illness against Martin Johnson's XV in the Nobok Challenge match on Saturday evening.

Lomu was famously described as "a freak" by Will Carling after his four tries destroyed England in the semi-finals of the 1995 World Cup.

First five-eighth Carlos Spencer, who lit up Twickenham by inspiring the Barbarians to a 52-39 victory over England last weekend, wouldn't bet against the comeback signalling the start of a renaissance at the highest level.

"Jonah was a fantastic player before he got sick -- the things he could do on the field because of his size and speed were amazing," said Spencer.

"The way he's recovered is a fantastic story. It's going to be great to see the big guy again.

"And he's still only 30. Most guys would have called it quits and just been happy to get well again, but he wants to go on and do as much as he can. Who's to say he can't do it?"

Spencer describes lining up in the Nobok Challenge game as a 'privilege' and he will be joined by the holders of more than a thousand caps.

He holds Johnson in high esteem after being part of the New Zealand side beaten 31-28 by England at Twickenham when Lomu scored his last Test tries.

Spencer also started at first five-eighth in England's incredible 15-13 win at Wellington when the captain led the famous 13-man goalline stand that kept the All Blacks at bay.

"It's a privilege to be here for two huge names in world rugby," said Spencer.

"People in New Zealand know Martin pretty well -- he's been such an important part of the game over here.

"They've got a huge amount of respect for the guy and we haven't forgotten that we taught him the game in King Country."

Spencer is set to line-up with Mark Robinson at halfback and Bruce Reihana in the back three -- a combination that will be wowing Northampton Saints fans next season.

They got a first taste of it last weekend, when Spencer scored one try and Reihana two for the Barbarians against coach Joe Lydon's Churchill Cup side.

"I'm really looking forward to the move," said Spencer.

"Playing in the Premiership is going to be a big change in lifestyle but I know a lot of the guys already.

"I know Mark and Bruce pretty well having played with them in the past. I enjoyed playing with them last weekend. We have a great time playing for the Barbarians and I'm looking forward to more of it at Northampton."

- NZPA