New Zealand
No one's better than Jonah Lomu: Julian Savea
November 5, 2014
New Zealand's Julian Savea poses for a portrait © Getty Images
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Julian Savea feels unstoppable when he's at his best. But even then, he says he'll never be like Jonah Lomu.

Savea attracted questions from a large media group about his remarkable try-scoring record ahead of the All Blacks' Test against England on Saturday. And there were more queries on the recent trend to compare him with the All Blacks legend. But the strapping No.11, who has scored 29 tries in 30 Tests, swatted the questions aside like so many feeble defenders.

Savea's latest brace of tries against the United States in Chicago lifted him into the top 10 for New Zealand, level with Dan Carter and Sitiveni Sivivatu, and he'll be hopeful of more against England at Twickenham on Saturday.

Most Tries Against England

  • 9 - Ian Smith (Scotland, 8 Tests)
  • 8 - Julian Savea (New Zealand, 4), Jonah Lomu (New Zealand, 7)
  • 7 - Ben Tune (Australia, 4)

Savea attributed his strike rate against England - eight tries from four Tests - as simple good luck, but he said he now felt more comfortable in Test rugby having flicked the switch mentally about a year ago.

"It's all about confidence," Savea said. "I guess when you find that and you get into your stride, you feel unstoppable."

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen sparked debate comparing the merits of Savea and Lomu when said in October that he rated the incumbent the better left wing.

Savea appeared to appreciate the chance to voice his opinion on a topic that created headlines in New Zealand. "For Steve to say that, it was an honour and a privilege. But for me, no one is better than Jonah. He changed the game back in his era. I think he inspired a lot of kids as well."

Savea said Lomu's four-try haul against England in the 1995 Rugby World Cup semi-final at Newlands was one of his earliest rugby memories.

Lomu finished his career with eight tries against England from seven Tests. "He was my idol when I was growing up," Savea said. I had his haircut. No one's ever going to be better than Jonah, he's one in a million."

© AAP

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