Thousands of people have gathered in the New Zealand capital of Auckland for a public memorial service to Jonah Lomu, one of the country's finest ever rugby players who died aged 40, earlier in November.
Thousands of people have gathered in the New Zealand capital of Auckland for a public memorial service to Jonah Lomu, one of the country's finest ever rugby players who died aged 40, earlier in November.
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Lomu had suffered from a rare and chronic liver disease since 1995 and died after returning to New Zealand from the Rugby World Cup in England, won by the All Blacks. His coffin was carried into Auckland's Eden Park by Rugby League player Manu Vatuvei (L) and All Blacks player Jerome Kaino, among others.
Lomu had suffered from a rare and chronic liver disease since 1995 and died after returning to New Zealand from the Rugby World Cup in England, won by the All Blacks. His coffin was carried into Auckland's Eden Park by Rugby League player Manu Vatuvei (L) and All Blacks player Jerome Kaino, among others.
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Lomu was arguably the best known rugby player of all time and one who enjoyed the greatest stature in the game over the past two decades. He scored 37 tries in 63 Tests for the All Blacks and was the epitome of power and speed in his role as a winger.
Lomu was arguably the best known rugby player of all time and one who enjoyed the greatest stature in the game over the past two decades. He scored 37 tries in 63 Tests for the All Blacks and was the epitome of power and speed in his role as a winger.
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Lomu leaves behind wife Nadene and her two sons, Brayley (L) and Dhyreille, who were at Eden Park for the service.
Lomu leaves behind wife Nadene and her two sons, Brayley (L) and Dhyreille, who were at Eden Park for the service.
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Former All Blacks, including some who played alongside Lomu, performed an emotional haka as his coffin left the field at Eden Park.
Former All Blacks, including some who played alongside Lomu, performed an emotional haka as his coffin left the field at Eden Park.
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Lomu's son Dhyreille follows the hearse carrying his late father as it leaves the stadium.
Lomu's son Dhyreille follows the hearse carrying his late father as it leaves the stadium.
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This picture of fullback Mike Catt being trampled over by Lomu summed up the helplessness of England's players in the face of the All Black at the 1995 World Cup in what many credit as the game that elevated him to superstar status. New Zealand won the semifinal 45-29 but lost to South Africa in the final.
This picture of fullback Mike Catt being trampled over by Lomu summed up the helplessness of England's players in the face of the All Black at the 1995 World Cup in what many credit as the game that elevated him to superstar status. New Zealand won the semifinal 45-29 but lost to South Africa in the final.
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Maori warriors perform at the public service for Lomu, who was of Tongan descent.
Maori warriors perform at the public service for Lomu, who was of Tongan descent.
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Lomu doing the haka with his New Zealand teammates at Twickenham in 2002. "When I chucked on my All Black shirt, for me, it was like armor, getting ready to go into battle," Lomu told CNN in a 2014 interview.
Lomu doing the haka with his New Zealand teammates at Twickenham in 2002. "When I chucked on my All Black shirt, for me, it was like armor, getting ready to go into battle," Lomu told CNN in a 2014 interview.
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Former All Blacks Dalls Seymour (L) and Michael Jones perform a traditional Maori "hongi" greeting after the memorial service.
Former All Blacks Dalls Seymour (L) and Michael Jones perform a traditional Maori "hongi" greeting after the memorial service.
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Thousands of people gathered for the memorial service, many holding cards featuring the number 11 -- Lomu's old shirt number. His family are due to hold a private funeral in Auckland on Tuesday.
Thousands of people gathered for the memorial service, many holding cards featuring the number 11 -- Lomu's old shirt number. His family are due to hold a private funeral in Auckland on Tuesday.
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