-
Jonah Lomu's bodybuilding debut at Wellington champs - Source: Photosport -
Related
All Blacks great and former World Cup star Jonah Lomu is rumoured to be the "mystery sporting legend" in the Rugby World Cup opening ceremony at Eden Park tonight.
The 63 Test All Black's role in the spectacular opening ceremony in Auckland ahead of the first game when Tonga takes on New Zealand has been a closely guarded secret.
But rumour is he will tower over a young rugby fan who scores a try and looks up to see the legend standing next to him, the New Zealand Herald reported.
The two shake hands before there's more dancing and singing of the tournament's anthem World in Union.
Lomu, who scored 37 tries for the All Blacks, is taking his wife Nadine and two sons to the opening ceremony.
"It's fantastic," he told the newspaper. "It's the biggest event, third behind the Olympic Games and Fifa World Cup and it's held here in New Zealand where we are showcasing the best of rugby, where I believe the best rugby is played."
The winger said his loyalties were with the All Blacks when they play Tonga.
The organiser of the Rugby World Cup opening ceremony David Atkins told TV ONE's Breakfast yesterday that the sport's hierarchy were surprised by the opening show when they were first shown it.
"There are a couple of things in the ceremony which are outside the realm of what has customarily been done in a Rugby World Cup."
Atkins said "the IRB were taken aback" when they saw the dress rehearsal on Tuesday night, but gave him great feedback.
"They loved it, they thought it was fantastic."
Atkins said his team has had a week of dress rehearsals at the stadium at Eden Park.
On Wednesday night a full dress rehearsal took place, with media and guests sworn to secrecy over what they saw, signing confidentiality documents.
Keep up to date with all Rugby World Cup news on this page .
Latest NZ News Video
-
Earthquake affected home owners protest (1:49)
-
MP Shane Jones under scrutiny (1:33)
-
ONE News Minute 6pm update: May 22 (1:05)
