The rise of the giants

June 18, 2015  •  Leave a Comment

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!

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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!


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