All Blacks amped to see Lomu in Marseille

LAWRENCE SMITH/Fairfax Media

LOVING IT: Rugby superstar Jonah Lomu says he's loving his new life in the south of France.

Jonah Lomu returns to rugby

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Former All Black Jonah Lomu in his comeback match for for Marseille-Vitrolles against Montmelian in Vitrolles.

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Maybe a visit from the big fellow will be just what the All Blacks need this week. Ma'a Nonu says he'll certainly get a kick out of it.

The touring New Zealanders are in Jonah Lomu country as they wind down the test part of their year-ending tour, with the former All Black great having just launched a three-year stint with the Marseille-Vitrolles club. They sit down in the French third division, but have ambitions of working their way into the Top 14 during Lomu's time.

Nonu told touring media at the team hotel today they were expecting to see the one-time bulldozing winger and star of two World Cups sooner rather than later. He'd just drop in when he had time, shrugged Nonu, and he'd be welcomed by every All Black.

Nothing much changes. Lomu remains friends with the likes of Nonu and Rodney So'oialo and said recently he was looking forward to renewing acquaintances with a few of his old mates. He has been a guest of honour at two of their matches as well, but will no doubt want to welcome them officially to his new town.

Nonu started his career alongside the great winger with Wellington and the Hurricanes and paid tribute to the role the 34-year-old played mentoring him as a  youngster.

"Jonah is one of those big fellas, he looks after the young guys," said Nonu. "He used to live in the big orange house on the hill - that was Jonah's castle. I just lived down the road in Miramar, and he used to pick me up to go to training.

"I was pretty lucky... he's a generous guy, a big giant really that's so friendly. Everyone loves him."

Even, according to Nonu, the young All Blacks for whom Lomu is a mythical figure they used to watch on the telly as kids.

"He's still got that respect. The boys hold him in high regard. He's always going be a legend in every kid's eyes

"It will be good to have him around."

And Nonu was just rapt that Lomu, after all his health battles, had made it back on the rugby field to round out a legendary career.

"We saw how it was when he got sick, and that was a shame. To see him come back and doing his bodybuilding, that was great."

Which raises the question. Who's more cut - the younger Nonu or the now veteran Lomu?

"Oh, definitely him," said Nonu with a grin.

- © Fairfax NZ News