| BUENOS ARES: Jonah Lomu's controversial tuft has once again retained its position in the All Blacks. The tuft has been subjected to much criticism over the years, from players and public alike, mainly over allegations that it is "rude".
In 1997 it was dropped for several games and replaced by a gold braided topknot. However this experimental move was widely regarded as a failure by the sporting public and couching staff alike. The tuft has long been suspected of causing disruption within the All Blacks. On one occasion in 2000 a delegation of senior players led by Taine Randell confronted Lomu on the team bus and, from a distance, demanded its removal on the grounds that it was "gay". However Lomu has always strongly backed his tuft's position in the All Blacks, stating more than once that it is "choice". A surreptitious attempt by Glen Osborne in 1996 to shave the tuft from a sleeping Lomu was foiled when Lomu was startled from his sleep by the giggling Osborne.  The Lomu tuft making the most of an attacking opportunity against Ireland. |
| Jonah's Tuft Retained in All Black Squad |
Saturday, 01 December 2001 12:00
