| Jonah Lomu admitted he was “delighted” to emerge unscathed from his return to top flight rugby. The former All Black wing lasted 60 minutes of the Blues' Heineken Cup victory over Calvisano in his first competitive game for more than two years. Lomu was restricted to a quiet debut by the Italians but he hopes it will prove a stepping stone in his bid to pull on the New Zealand jersey one more time.
“It was just great to be out there again,” said Lomu. “It was always going to be tough but I’m just glad to have come through the 60 minutes without any injuries.
“It wasn’t a premeditated move to come off after an hour but the coaches had their plans and they have to stick to them. I was just pleased to be out there at all.
“I was fine the night before but I did get a bit nervous five minutes before kick-off. It was almost a surreal experience being back on the field after everything that I have gone through over the last few months. But I really enjoyed it.
“Physically I feel fine. I actually enjoy taking the knocks and being involved in a tough rugby game. It was only my first game back and I’m taking things steps by step. “The most important thing is that we won the game. We’re a team and that’s what I’m part of so the most important thing is that the team does well not just me.”
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