Lomu: Just great to be out there

New Zealand superstar Jonah Lomu’s rugby comeback is underway, and the former All Blacks wing admitted: “It was almost a surreal experience.”

Lomu began his seven-month stint with Cardiff Blues by making a 60-minute appearance in the 25-10 Heineken Cup victory over Italian hosts and Pool Two strugglers Calvisano.

Although Lomu couldn’t mark an eagerly-awaited Blues debut by scoring a try, he still made an impact some 28 months after his last competitive appearance, having recovered from a kidney transplant and then shoulder surgery.

“It was just great to be out there again,” he said. “I am just glad to have come through the 60 minutes without any injuries.

“It wasn’t a premeditated move to come off after an hour, but the coaches had their plans and they have to stick to them. I was just pleased to be out there at all.

“I was fine the night before the game, but I did get a bit nervous five minutes before kick-off. It was like running out for my first game all over again – in fact, that’s exactly what it was after 28 months since my last competitive match.

“It was almost a surreal experience being back on the field after everything that I have gone through, but I really enjoyed it,” Lomu added.

“Physically, I feel fine. I actually enjoy taking the knocks and being involved in a tough rugby game. But it was only my first game back, and I am taking things step by step.”

Cardiff, despite never remotely hitting top gear, claimed a winning bonus point through tries from Welsh international quartet Robert Sidoli, Martyn Williams, Rhys Williams and Chris Czekaj.

Acting Bath coach Michael Foley believes Olly Barkley could provide an answer to England’s quest for a midfield cutting edge after the unbeaten Pool Five leaders defeated resilient Recreation Ground visitors Glasgow 31-26.

Barkley, playing at inside centre, created Michael Stephenson’s first-half try after a sublime break and pass, suggesting England boss Andy Robinson could do a lot worse than hand him the number 12 jersey against opening Six Nations opponents Wales on February 4.

“Olly is playing very good rugby around the field, and he could provide England with something interesting at 12,” said Foley.

“He holds the inside defence for players on the outside, and someone like Michael Stephenson has got great timing to take advantage of that.”

Foley also lavished praise on Welsh number eight Gareth Delve, who was instrumental in keeping Bath on the front-foot during an entertaining encounter.

“Gareth is an outstanding young player, and I am a big fan of his,” added Foley.

“I envisage him going to the 2007 World Cup with Wales, and if he hasn’t played international rugby before then, I will be surprised.”

Glasgow held Bath 23-23 at half-time, with their Scottish international fly-half Dan Parks contributing 18 points, but wing Salesi Finau’s 70th-minute touchdown, following earlier scores from Stephenson, Frikkie Welsh and Michael Lipman, staved off a major upset.

“We are looking forward to the return fixture next Friday night, and it is not difficult to motivate these players at the moment,” said Glasgow coach Hugh Campbell.

“They will be up for the game next Friday, there is no question about that.”

Leinster have emerged as Bath’s principal Pool Five rivals following a 53-7 demolition of Bourgoin in Dublin that was highlighted by an outstanding display from back-row prospect Jamie Heaslip.

Heaslip, 22 next week, was one of seven try-scorers as Leinster stayed in touch with Bath, just three points adrift.

Frustrated Edinburgh coach Todd Blackadder admitted his side missed a golden opportunity to boost their reputation on the European stage as they plunged to a 20-13 defeat against Pool Six leaders and tournament favourites Toulouse at Murrayfield.

The result effectively handed the Frenchmen a ticket to the quarter-finals - and all but snuffed out the Scots’ hopes of progressing.

“It was definitely a game we could have won, but we didn’t get the breaks at crucial moments. After a poor opening spell, we had enough territory and possession to earn a positive outcome, but it wasn’t to be,” said Blackadder.

“One or two refereeing verdicts went against us, and we should have used the ball more wisely. The bottom line, however, is that we are able to compete with the bigger teams in the tournament and we will keep building.”

Munster kept alive their hopes in Pool One by seeing off Newport Gwent Dragons 24-8 at Rodney Parade, helped by tries from forwards Denis Leamy and Marcus Horan, to effectively end the Dragons’ Heineken Cup ambitions for another season.

Stade Francais, meanwhile, dug deep to steal a crucial 16-12 away victory against French rivals Clermont Auvergne, who were without injured Welsh international fly-half Stephen Jones, in Pool Three.