Lomu takes first step in comeback

JONAH LOMU took the first and hardest of a series to steps towards a full rugby comeback when he played 40 minutes of a pre-season match for his province Wellington on Saturday.

Lomu, who is receiving dialysis three times a week while awaiting a kidney transplant, defied medical opinion when he donned his famous No11 jersey for Wellington’s match against Taranaki. His contribution to the match was low-key.

Lomu, 28, touched the ball three times and made one tackle but his return, witnessed by a crowd of several thousands, was still greeted with mixed delight and consternation.