Pride, emotion and tears for huge fan

Avondale woman Sue Allan has been going to Eden Park to watch rugby for 45 years, and was one of the thousands who turned up yesterday to celebrate the life and career of All Black great Jonah Lomu.

The Herald caught up with Ms Allan at different points of the memorial to see how a huge fan like her handled the commemorations.

She fondly remembered watching Lomu play at Eden Park and said "the power of the man" stood out to her the most.

"It's just awesome being here," Ms Allan, who works in real estate, said shortly before the event started. "To have the opportunity to respect."

Catching up again about midway through the programme, she said the Tongan welcome had sent chills up her spine.

Ms Allan also spoke of the emotion in the speakers' voices and her tears during the anthem.

"I'm such a proud New Zealander who loves her rugby and sport in general. I feel very privileged to be here for the legend that Jonah became."

Summing it all up at the end, she said the singing and songs were beautiful, especially Lizzie Marvelly who performed the Maori hymn Whakaaria Mai, or How Great Thou Art.

"Eric Rush, another legend and so funny," she added. "A true mate."

As for the hakas, she had one word: "Wow. My hands were shaky taking photos. A day to remember. Thanks Jonah, again."