Lomu relaxed before comeback match

The ritual will be the same as always. A short prayer, a moment's quiet contemplation and then a blast of stereophonic sound.

Then Jonah Lomu, with that famed No 11 on his back, will trot out on to world rugby's grandest stage with his squad behind him to go into action for the first time in two years.

It will finally be time to show that despite the debilitating effects of kidney disease he has what it takes to recapture the form that launched him into the sporting stratosphere after his barnstorming exploits in the 1995 and 1999 Word Cups.

In the final week of Lomu's build-up to his return match against a Martin Johnson testimonial XV he's been relaxed - surprising given the madness going on around him.

Most of Lomu's week has been spent not on the training ground preparing for 80 minutes of rugby, but meeting the constant demands for his time.

Everyone, it seems, has wanted a piece of the giant winger. The media, sponsors, the endless lines of rugby- mad boys and girls queuing for his autograph, sick kids in hospital - the list goes on.

"It's been so full on, so crazy. I can hardly explain it. I've barely had time to think about the game, to be honest," Lomu said yesterday.

"I don't have any nerves about the match. I just want to get out there, hear the roar of the crowd as I come down the tunnel."

For Lomu, most days this week have started in the gym with sevens great Eric Rush, who has worked as his personal trainer for several months.

Rush said fans should not expect too much from Lomu in his first game back.

He predicted Lomu would last only for 20-minute bursts and would probably be substituted on and off by coach John Hart.

"He wants to play the whole game, but I don't think it'll happen," Rush said. "He's obviously not got the sort of co-ordination he probably needs and his legs and his feet aren't yet firing right, but he's on his way."

Lomu's team - which includes former All Blacks Carlos Spencer, Dave Hewett and Kees Meeuws - have trained only lightly under coaches Hart and John Kirwan.

Lomu, who will wear specially-made Adidas boots with the "Rebirth - Jonah Lomu" on the tongue, has been struggling with a minor ankle injury, but said he didn't expect it to slow him down too much.

"The ankle is good. It is sorting itself out. It's not a problem."

Lomu said he hadn't eaten much this week, but had begun carbo loading to ensure he had sufficient energy for tomorrow.

"It has been a long tough journey, but I am finally here.

"After that, it is all about playing well and getting through the game unscathed. I am not putting any pressure on myself.

"I just want to go out there, play my game and give it my all. I will be targeting 80 minutes, but we'll see."

Lomu said there was nothing more he could do to prepare. He had his pre-match prayer worked out - one that blesses the players, the crowd, "the paddock we do battle on, and the 'special friend who gave me this opportunity"' - and has his CD player, headphones and the disc composed especially for the occasion.

And on that disc?

"Sounds to pysch me right up. But somehow I don't think I'll need it. Just being out will be enough. I can't wait."

* Steve Cook of the Herald on Sunday is in Britain courtesy of Emirates