Most World Cup Tries by a Player (Jonah Lomu)

Lore & Background

Lomu's seven tries in the 1995 tournament came in five matches: two against Ireland, one in the quarter-final against Scotland, and four in the semi-final against England. His performance at that World Cup established him as 'rugby union's biggest drawcard' as the game turned fully professional.

In Their Own Story

The dust swirled at Ellis Park under the African sun. The crowd roared, a sound so loud it vibrated in the chest, but for the English defence, silence had fallen. There he stood: Lomu, a shadow of impossible magnitude against the green grass. He took the pass, his eyes locked on the try line. A tackle came from the flank, a collision that should have ended the play. Instead, the tackler bounced off as if hitting a steel wall. Lomu didn't slow down; he surged forward, two more defenders diving in vain. The ball crossed the line, and the stadium erupted into chaos, witnessing history being written in real-time.

Reader's Guide

Lomu's try-scoring in the 1995 World Cup: 2 vs Ireland (pool), 1 vs Scotland (quarter-final), 4 vs England (semi-final). Total: 7 tries. He scored 8 tries in the 1999 World Cup, bringing his career World Cup total to 15.

Did You Know?

• Lomu's four-try performance in the 1995 semi-final against England included a try where he ran over England fullback Mike Catt.
• Lomu shares the Rugby World Cup all-time try-scoring record of 15 with South African Bryan Habana.
• Lomu's first try against England in 1995 was voted the try of the tournament.