Jonah Lomu of the All Blacks burst onto the scene in the 1995 Rugby World Cup with his devastating runs down the left wing, demolishing Mike Catt and the rest of England in the semi-final.

Twenty years later we have seen the re-emergence of these giants. Huge, very fast and strong, yet players with the skills and deft touch of a pickpocket.

The French always regarded the forwards as the piano movers and the backs as the piano players. Now some of the wings are bigger than the props or locks! And faster!

Nemani Nadolo (Crusaders) – 194cm (6ft 4), 125kg!

WFW_0576_FBin the Super 15 round 13 match Western Force vs Waratahs at nib Stadium on Saturday 9th May 2015 : Image by Johan Schmidt

Taqele Naiyaravoro (Warathas) – 194cm (6ft 4), 123kg!

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Julian Savea (Hurricanes) – 192cm (6ft 3), 103kg!

WFH_0031_FBin the 15th round Super15 rugby match Western Force vs Highlanders at nib Stadium in Perth, Australia: Image by John Schmidt

Patrick Osborne (Highlanders) – 189cm (6ft 2) 108kg

WFH_0637_FBin the 15th round Super15 rugby match Western Force vs Highlanders at nib Stadium in Perth, Australia: Image by John Schmidt

Waisake Naholo (Highlanders) - 186cm (6ft 1) 96kg

WFC_290_FBin the round 9 Super 15 rugby match Western Force vs Cheetahs at nib Stadium on Saturday 11th April 2015

Cornal Hendricks (Cheetahs) – 189cm (6ft 2) 90kg was your traditional wing – explosive speed, elusive side step and an eye for the corner flag.

It’s been wonderful to photograph these players close up, feeling the earth vibrate as they thunder towards the try line. Come on Rugby World Cup!