(CAMERA SHUTTERS CLICK) (CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS) You have nephrotic syndrome. Basically, it means your kidneys aren't doing their job. He will be taking the next year off rugby to focus on his recovery. You're in remission. (CHUCKLES) Looking good out there. You want it more, huh? Thanks. Who have you been calling in Wellington all times of the day and night? When are you coming back? (HIP-HOP MUSIC) # Uh. # Huh. # Ooh. # Uh... # What do you wanna join a gang for? (SPEAKS TONGAN) You're a gifted athlete, Jonah. We could really use you. You have got something very special. You stick with me, you could go all the way to the top. Well, we want you on the team. Kia mau! Hi! Yeah! Ka mate, mate ka ora! Ka ora! ALL: Ka mate, ka mate, ka ora! Welcome back to Lancaster Park in Christchurch for the first Test between the New Zealand All Blacks and France. KEITH QUINN: Jonah Lomu, the youngest All Black ever, 19 years and 45 days old. (CHEERING) Right behind Lomu. He's a bit slow to turn. (CHEERING) Lomu. Lomu is coming through. Lomu's taken out there. The crowd aren't happy. (CROWD BOOS) Jonah Lomu. He didn't get the pass away. And the inexperience of Jonah Lomu shows up early on. (TYRES SCREECH, CAR ENGINE REVS) (HIP-HOP MUSIC PLAYS) Slow down, lad. Eh? Slow down. (TURNS DOWN MUSIC) (SIGHS) I'm not a bloody winger. It won't be forever. Eh? You're young ` you'll get another shot at the ABs. Not if I switch codes. Well, I'll just see if there's any interest across the ditch. More room to run in league. (SLURPS) Oh, bad ` you're in the paper. Eh? (MOUTHS) Oh, don't worry about it. No one reads this shit anyway ` they just look at the pictures. If they just played me my position, I would've been all good. I don't even like the wing. Have you never been dropped before? No. (SCOFFS) Welcome to the real world, brother. You wanna know why they dropped you? Why? Cos you're Tongan. (BOTH CHUCKLE) Shut up. You're being a sooky, man. (BEEP!) Jonah, there's a fax for you. Have a nice day. It's from the Sydney Bulldogs. This is a three-year contract. So that means giving up on the All Blacks, giving up on going to South Africa. Well, they gave up on me. You all right? Hey, Rushy. How are you, bro. (GRUNTS) So Doggies, eh? (CHUCKLES) That'll be cool. Phil sent you, eh? (LAUGHS) Nah, yeah, gonna move to Sydney. Good for you. I thought you said it was gonna be a bad idea. Oh, it is a bad idea, having to play with those dirty Aussies. But too good to turn down, bro. Nah, the boys are gonna miss you. Why don't you go out with a bang? One more game with the brothers. North-South coming up. Last trial before the World Cup. Get out there, show them what they're missing. Nah. What's the point, man? The point is you can walk away like a fucking man, bro, with your head up. Or was Laurie Mains right? Might not be good enough for the team anyway. (BOTH CHUCKLE) (R&B MUSIC) (PLAYERS YELL INDISTINCTLY) (PLAYERS YELL INDISTINCTLY) (WHISTLE BLOWS) Your boy played well, Rushy. Tell him he's done enough. I'm sure he'd like to hear it from the horse's mouth. I'll see you at camp. Yeah, maybe. All Blacks or Doggies ` you've gotta do what's right for you, Jo. If you play league, you'll be a star in Oz. If you play like you did yesterday, you'll be a star everywhere. They're gonna want you more after the Rugby World Cup. (R&B MUSIC) (WHISTLE BLOWS) Five, six. (WHISTLE BLOWS) (WHISTLE BLOWS) (PLAYERS YELL INDISTINCTLY) (WHISTLE BLOWS) Come on! Keep pushing! Push through it! Let's go! I know you don't like these long runs, but just push through. Show these old fullas, eh? Show them, Jo. (BOTH PANT) Training is hard, but it's nothing compared to what it'll be like on the day. The French, the Boks, the Aussies, the English ` they love the fact that we're the favourites. Any excuse to knock our heads off. Let's show them why we're number one. Got five more? All day. Let's go. Good call, mate. If you'd said you'd had enough, he would've given you 10. Only a few more, brother. They'll need a win, brother. Don't let him win, Jonah. - (WHISTLE BLOWS) - ALL: Go, Jonah! Go, Jo! Pick it up, Jo! Pick it up, brother! Pick it up, Jo! Good work, Jonah! Keep going, bro! (PANTS) Go, Jo! Come on, boy! Let's go! (R&B MUSIC) (PANTS) (PANTS) Come on, Jo. Let's go. Got him running. (MUSIC CONTINUES) (PANTS) Bit of a struggle out there this afternoon. But that's what these camps are for ` getting fit. Do you always get that breathless? Just the long-distance stuff. Built for speed, not endurance. What do you do for energy? I eat. A lot. (CHUCKLES) Sleep? Not much. Is something wrong? We've been sent a copy of your blood results, the ones you did for your medical insurance. Your renal function has come back abnormal. What does that mean? Your kidneys aren't working properly. It could be the cause of your poor aerobic recovery. It's nothing too serious at this stage ` people with renal impairment can be stable for years. Will it affect my game? You might run out of puff ` I dunno. Recovery will be harder. We can manage it. So nothing to worry about? Not at this stage, no. Cool. Can I go? (LAUGHS) Yeah. Thank you, doc. - (CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS) - REPORTERS: Jonah! Jonah! Jonah, you've beaten the odds ` you've made it back to Test match rugby after a major health crisis. How does that feel? Good, real good. The doc's been brilliant and my friends, my family. There must be some doubts floating around. Can your body handle the rigours of a tournament like this? My body's just fine. The draw's been kind, you've romped through pool play, but how are you gonna treat the semi? Well, the French have always been tough. We've just gotta stay focused, play our game. And it's good to be a position to play in another World Cup ` we have unfinished business. (R&B MUSIC) We can do some more tests if you want me to. You're firing on all cylinders. Your aerobic capacity is up ` you're in better shape than ever. We've optimised your rest, recovery, focus on diet. I never wanna see a banana again. (CHUCKLES) Your body's fine, Jo; it's your head you need to get right. (INTENSE MUSIC) every day for nearly 5 years, but some people still don't know it. So, just a reminder - our every day $5 Value Range is on: (GRUNTS) (HIP-HOP MUSIC) You good to go? Yeah. I'm ready. (CHUCKLES) You're a big game player, Jo ` always have been. You were born to do this. Danger here. Cullen flips on to Lomu. Lomu steps outside. - (CHEERING) - Cuts inside. He's still not down! - (CHEERING) - He's over! - (WHISTLE BLOWS) Back to Wilson. Back inside to Lomu. Pass one. Pass two. Here he goes again, puddling them off, but the Big Man is over! For his second try! (BUZZ!) It's over! It's a great victory by 43 points to 31. (CHEERING) Jonah Lomu tried so hard out on the left wing, but in his first Test back after recovering from serious illness, it's a loss. (FOOTSTEPS SCUFF) (SIGHS) Can you say hi to Grant for me? Aren't you coming to town? I don't wanna come now. Well, it's just words. They don't mean anything. Hey. I'd never let anything happen to you. Give my love to Grant. You know what, mate? A team of stars got beaten by a star team. What was Hartie thinking, playing so many guys out of position, anyway? Well, hey, at least you did your bit ` two tries. Ah. Yeah, sorry. You must be over it, eh? Oh. How's the missus, bro? How's she going with all the media stuff? Yeah, I mean, it's pretty intense for her. I'm used to it, but we really appreciate you guys, you know, taking out the time to, you know, really help her out. Mate, got your back. Thank you, bro. (CHUCKLES) Nah. You need it ` you'll freeze your nuts off. My nuts are useless anyway, bro. It's all good ` I don't feel the cold. And I got two more of the same at home. Oh well. If you need anything ` an ear, a shoulder, a kidney, I'm your man. I'm cured, man. It's never gonna happen. (FOOTSTEPS RETREAT) Hi. Hey. All Blacks are fucking losers. Bunch of chokers. Yeah, you useless bastards. Where you going? Jonah! Back to the bench? Jonah. Jonah, come over here, buddy. Come inside. Move. Jonah. Like pasta? Yeah. Hey, don't worry about those guys. They're idiots. This is the kitchen. Welcome. (CHUCKLES) Thank you, man. Appreciate it. OK. What'll it be? Oh, whatever's good, man. Good on you. Hey. (CLEARS THROAT) Can you give this to him? Oh yep. Oh. Dad. Thank you. You're welcome. This is good, very good. Mm. It's the anchovies. On the house, by the way. You don't mind if Nadene joins you? She's on her lunch break. Sweet. So, what do you do? I'm a rugby player. Not really into sport. (CUTLERY CLICKS) Do you have any cheese? It doesn't need cheese. (R&B MUSIC) (MUSIC CONTINUES) (CONTAINERS CLATTER) (PLASTIC BAG RUSTLES) (CHUCKLES) (PLASTIC BAG RUSTLES) (THUD!) (CHUCKLES) Hey, some of the brothers are keen for a big night. I'll reckon get a feed, hit the town. Yeah, maybe just grab a feed and go home, eh. Eh, Jonah? Jonah! This is crazy. Oh my God. It really is you. Guys! Guys, it's Jonah Lomu! Hey. Cool costume. Thanks. I wanted to be a mermaid, but it was too hard to piss. Eh? Hey, have a good one, eh? And stay safe. Give us a kiss. I don't think my missus would like that, eh. Oh, come on. Just one little kiss. Hey. Hey. Bunch of fucking losers! Ooh! Oh! Hey! Jo! Jo! Jo! Jo! What the fuck are you up to? Jo! Jo! Caveman! Jo, stop it! Leave it! Leave it! Get in the car. Are you OK? Jo, get in the car. We'll take Teina to A&E. Jo, I just wanna go home. Sorry. (SIGHS) Yeah, this is why we don't go out, eh. (SIGHS) (LAID-BACK MUSIC) (MUSIC CONTINUES) That's it, Jonah ` balls and bags, mate. Yeah, no worries, Fitz. How are you feeling? It's a long flight, eh. Good. Just a bit of swelling. Oh. That's to be expected. Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. Didn't your parents teach you to respect your elders? A few ground rules, bro. What are they, Buncie? I control the TV and the music. You're on laundry and biscuit duty. Now, Laurie's got a no-junk-food policy. Well, fuck that. I saw a shop about 20 minutes up the road. You can stock up tomorrow morning. And if you get caught, I know nothing. What the fuck are you doing, bro? Oh, doc says it's good after flying. Helps with the circulation. Oh, it looks bloody stupid. (CHUCKLES) Anything for the Cup. Let's do this, brother. Yeah, that's the one. (GRUNTS) (BOTH CHUCKLE) (SCALES RATTLE) Good. (SCALES RATTLE) Need to lay off the taro there, Jonah. Can you get taro in South Africa? That's it, Jo! The size of a forward with the speed of a back. He's put on a stone. You wouldn't know it to look at him. It's mostly fluid. His kidneys are playing up a bit. How bad is it? Ah, watch and wait. (CLEARS THROAT) Well, what does that mean? Oh, we're managing it with diet, rest, recovery. It's in our favour he's young and fit. It doesn't seem to be affecting his form. (INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS) (R&B MUSIC) Salizzo. Excuse me, mate. Hey, Gary, mate. How are you doing? Yeah, good, thanks. You must be excited ` your boys are in with a real shot. Oh, we like to think so. You know, Laurie's been putting in the hard yards. But hey, you should get an early interview with the Big Man. Lomu? Yeah. He's great. He's gonna have that world talking, I tell ya. He's already got the world talking ` about how he got outplayed by the French last year. He's green. He's always out of position. I don't know what Mains is thinking. The boy is not ready. (CHUCKLES) (TINKLY CONTEMPLATIVE MUSIC) (TV PLAYS QUIETLY) Oi, the hell are you watching? Big game tomorrow bro ` turn that shit off. (SIGHS) (CLICK!) (SIGHS) Bro, what happened to my food? Thanks, brother. (HIP-HOP MUSIC) (MUSIC CONTINUES) (RAZOR BUZZES) (MUSIC CONTINUES) (MUSIC CONTINUES) So, what do you think? I think you'll put me to shame. It's just as well you're making an honest woman of her ` Teina won't be able to keep her hands off ya. Hiya. Ooh, look out, these two ` pair of gasbags when they get together. (CHUCKLES) Hey, love. Mwah. Fi. Jonah. Jo, this is Fiona. Hey. Hey. Nice to meet you. Yeah, you too. (CHUCKLES) So, how are the wedding plans? All sorted. Eh? We have matching waistcoats. (CHUCKLES) Very fetching. (GIGGLES) When's the wedding? Two weeks. Mm. How exciting! Yeah. Well, that's why you need to spend more time shopping with me ` you'd look this good. Oh, I'll get this. Oh. I'll get this. Hey, I'd like to pay. Thank you, mate. Oh, could you charge it to my room? Yeah, sure. 275. Bye. Always a pleasure. (CHUCKLES) Thanks for dinner. My pleasure. It was lovely to meet you. Yeah. Good luck with the wedding. Thank you. Goodnight. (R&B MUSIC) (BOTH GIGGLE) Where do you want this? Oh, just put it in the lounge. (CELL PHONE RINGS) (CELL PHONE RINGS) (CELL PHONE RINGS) Teina, sweetheart. I'm sorry, love. I know. I know. Breakups are a terrible thing. WHISPERS: Tell her she can keep the house. He wants you to have the house. WHISPERS: And the car. And the car. He wants a clean break, love. This is hard on him too. I don't think there's anyone else involved, no. Bye. Don't you make a liar out of me. Now, you need to keep your head down ` no going out in public, like last time. (TINKLY MUSIC) (MUSIC BUILDS) (SIGHS) You look like a horny teenager. Oh, who cares? I care. You made it my business when your picture turned up across all the papers. Then why are we doing this? This is damage control. (SIGHS) When are you gonna learn your lesson? Yeah, I mean it ` I don't wanna have to go through all this again. What do you mean? Jo. She's not the first, and she won't be the last. Oh! Gorgeous, sweetheart. Hey. A contract. Oh, just bog standard release forms. I've been through them. And this is for you. Oh. Ta. You told Jonah we're weren't getting paid. We're not. Then what's the cheque for? It's 5 grand to cover costs. What costs? Jonah is a brand. He takes quite a bit of upkeep, as you well know. Eh? Office rent, fax, internet, travel. And I've spent hours on that bloody cell phone trading favours, trying to sort this all out. The deal is you take a commission of Jonah's appearance fees. I'm not gonna be out of pocket cleaning up your mess. Then you should have declared it. Jonah is not interested in business stuff. That's why he has me. You should be thanking me, getting you out of shit creek again. Fiona's right. Jo? Jo. I did nothing wrong. You should have told me about the money. Don't let her come between us. Come on, lad. I've always had your best interests at heart. Jo. Son. (CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS) Good. (CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS) (CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS) (CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS) (POIGNANT MUSIC) Thank you. I got this. SONG: # I need a hero (CHUCKLES) SONG: # I need a hero That's no good. I got this. (MEN CHATTER INDISTINCTLY) (WOMAN SCREAMING) (DRAMATIC ROCK MUSIC) I got this. SONG: # I need a hero # I'm holding out for a hero SONG: # I need a hero # I'm holding out for a hero till the end of the night SONG: # I need a hero # He's gotta be strong till the end of the night SONG: # I need a hero # He's gotta be strong and he's gotta be fast SONG: # I need a hero # And he's gotta and he's gotta be fast SONG: # I need a hero # And he's gotta be fresh from the fight SONG: # I need a hero # I need a hero! # With Holden Colorado, With Holden Colorado, you got this. You not hungry, bro? Nah. What's up? I think I'm gonna get Fiona to be my manager, eh. What about Phil? Yeah, I have Fiona ` she has a degree in management. - It's good. Finally pulling your head out of his arse, eh? - (BOTH CHUCKLE) You know, I didn't really like Phil anyway, but he did do a good job at keeping those dogs away. Yeah. All I'm saying, bro, is be careful. There's a lot of hands out there, and I know how deep your pockets are. I wanna buy a car. What's wrong with the four you've already got? Can you buy me a car? (CHUCKLES) This guy. It's beautiful. How much did it cost? I got it on HP. You would have got a better deal paying cash. Ah, it's just money. Relax. I'm worth 10 mil. Yeah, plenty of rainy days to come. I can buy my own car. I know. Mine's coming next week; it's yours. Thank you. We'll be operating out of Lomu Inc. I have quite a different style to previous management. Let's just have a look at the contracts again. Sorry. Where's your bathroom? Down the hall, on the left. Thank you. (FOOTSTEPS RETREAT) (PANTS) (WHEEZES) (WHEEZES, PANTS) (SIGHS) And again. (EXHALES) (SIGHS) All this treatment ` I thought I was cured. (PHONE KEYPAD BEEPS) This is Dr John Mayhew. Can I speak to Professor Ian Simpson, please? Yes, I'll hold. Jo,... (SIGHS) I've been debating whether to tell you this or not. Dialysis puts a lot of strain on your heart. Once you start, you've only got about 10 years in you, unless you get a new kidney. I thought it made you better. It just buys us some time. You're going to need dialysis five hours a day, three days a week. How long for? Forever,... or until we find a kidney donor. What are the chances of that? Well, most kidneys come from road fatalities; occasionally we do get a live donor. What's the wait time? On average, seven to 10 years. When do you wanna start? Straight away. (INTENSE MUSIC) (MUSIC FADES) Bro. You gotta be here for five hours? Oh man. You want me to bring your PlayStation or something? Nah, all good, bro. So, let's get you started. Sweet as. I'm gonna shoot off. Bro. Bring us back a feed. Sweet. Just take a seat. Anywhere? Oh, pays to get a comfy one. You're gonna be here for a while. Jonah. Over here. Nice socks. Thanks. Mum knitted them. You reckon it'll help with the rugby? Not if you stick with the Canes. Ditch that Wellington crowd. Come play for the winners. Nah. Canes gonna take it. Nah. Blues all day. (CHUCKLES) Don't worry ` dialysis really helps. My arm feels really itchy. Is that normal? Yep. So, this is Elizabeth. She'll be looking after you. Hello. This is our VIP. Just treat me like everyone else. What's your relationship with needles? I hate 'em. Well, you better get used to it ` those needles are gonna be your best friend. (CHUCKLES) (SIGHS) TV: Lomu, here we go! Can he make it? You bet ya! You bet ya! Jonah's in. (WHISTLE BLOWS) Hey. Don't be sad. You won me 50 bucks that day. (CHUCKLES) (FOOTSTEPS CLICK) (MACHINES HUM) (FOOTSTEPS CLICK) Hey, bro. How often do you have to do that? Enough to keep me alive. (CHUCKLES) How's Fi? She's good. She's good. How are the boys? Yeah, they're good. Yeah, real good. They say hi. They come to see you yet? Nah. Not yet. Yeah, everyone's pretty busy, eh. (INTENSE MUSIC) Sorry, bro. (MUSIC BUILDS) I've talked to Ian about doing dialysis at home. It's a six-week training programme full-time. Also, our trip to Japan is confirmed. I've made sure the hotel is right near the medical centre. They can fit you in at night, and you can still do all the meetings in the day. Cool. The dialysis is making me feel way better. In fact, I'm expecting a call from the ABs any time soon (!) Where's Penina today? She died. I'm sorry. Will you marry me? You don't have to do this. Yeah, I do. (INTENSE MUSIC) (CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS) (CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS) (CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS) (CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS) (TINKLY ELECTRONIC MUSIC) (MUSIC CONTINUES) (MUSIC CONTINUES) Thank you. (MUSIC CONTINUES) Sorry ` I know this isn't much of a honeymoon. We'll go another time. ANNOUNCER: The time is long overdue for Jonah Lomu to show his true colours, to recover the confidence that has obviously ebbed away in recent months. And we're underway here at the stadium. Randall is under it. Lomu is arriving, got away from him and got right away. As Miller gets it off to Randall, runs straight into Lomu, who lets him go, but the rest of the reinforcements have arrived quickly. There it is for Howell, now Spice, up to Lomu. One thing I will tell you is it looks as though Jonah Lomu's got the tracksuit on, and that might be him for the night. Hurry up, man. You only played half a game ` can't be that tired. John Mitchell didn't call. Are you being serious right now? Are you being serious? OK, let's give Mitchie a call. Hey, Mitchie. It's the Big Man. I think I missed your call. Yeah, must have been when I was busy being on dialysis, or flying up and down the country five times a week, trying to make sure there's enough rock stars playing Super Twelve. Oh, nah, hold on ` I think it was when I was out looking for a kidney donor. Look, I just wanted to let you know that I'm keen to represent at the Rugby World Cup, even though I can't even walk to my own damn car. OK, that's enough for now Mitchie. Bye. Honestly, bro, you're an OG now ` cut yourself a break. Let's hurry up, hurry up, let's go! Yeah, ski. (LAUGHS) (MACHINE HUMS) (SIGHS) I'll do it in the morning. (CAR ENGINE REVS) (HIP-HOP MUSIC) (MUSIC CONTINUES) (CAR ENGINE REVS) (MUSIC CONTINUES) (DOOR CLICKS) (BIRDS CHIRP) What's new? Not much. (CHUCKLES) Canes got a good win in the weekend. Boys did well. Hey,... (CLEARS THROAT) I've been thinking ` maybe giving rugby a rest. You think it's time? What do you reckon? Well, I'll support you in whatever you decide. (SIGHS) Won't be forever. Do you have any hash browns? (LAUGHS) Might even be able to rustle up a bit of bacon. (CHUCKLES) (R&B MUSIC) # Whoo! (PLAYERS CHAT INDISTINCTLY) # Whoo! # (RECORD SCRATCHES RHYTHMICALLY) All the work that you've done up to this point means nothing unless we win. It's not about us, this is not about you; this is about the black jersey. Do not let the black jersey down today! Five minutes. Let's go! Bring it in! Come on, boys. Fire up, boys. Does anyone wanna say anything? ANNOUNCER: Kicked away, but Lomu! What can you say ` ready with the ball in hand. He's just unstoppable, isn't he? ANNOUNCER: He is unstoppable. After Kronfeld! Lomu! He touches the ball, things happen. ANNOUNCER: Straight to Little. Little out to Lomu. He gets the big legs going. He's only got one to beat! Again and again! I don't believe this! He's got it up to Kronfeld! That is stunning! (CHEERING) Two tries ` good stuff, brother. Awesome, Jo. (CHEERING) Looked good out there. Yeah, felt good. Beautiful, huh! Hey, suit up, Jonah. We need to get you to the press conference. All right? Hey, how was that? (CHEERING) Jonah,... (CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS) ...congratulations. So, what was it like, scoring two tries on your World Cup debut? Yes, it was pretty cool. You never seem to be without your headphones. What kind of music do you like? Oh, like just... Look, I can vouch for Jonah, and his taste in music is crap. (LAUGHTER) Ice Cube, Ice-T, Vanilla Ice ` (LAUGHTER) His saving grace is Kenny G, but that's only when he's frisky. (LAUGHTER) (REPORTERS CLAMOUR) Jonah! Do you have a girlfriend? ANNOUNCER: And we're getting set to go with tonight's big game, New Zealand set to play Wales tonight. Lomu. Lomu and Proctor. Lomu! Three of them on to him, and they scragged him, but they didn't hold him, and he might get there yet, but Kronfeld, Kronfeld gets it! It's not fair ` Lomu did all the work, and Kronfeld got the try. Brilliant stuff from Jonah Lomu! (REPORTERS CLAMOUR) Jonah! (REPORTERS CLAMOUR) Jonah, mowing down a whole team like that and setting up that try ` what did that feel like? Yeah, it felt like I'm really getting my rhythm, you know, getting into my stride. All right, come on, guys. The culture that we have in the All Blacks, Gary, is that no one player is bigger than the team. Well, no one except Jonah Lomu. (LAUGHTER) Look, I know this is killing you, mate. I'll come up with a plan, all right? So I thought we'd just give them a tape, general interview, and then just hand it out. Yeah? OK. I'm here with Jonah Lomu, the world's youngest All Black, first Tongan All Black and starting left winger. So, Jonah, you were brought up in South Auckland? I lived in Tonga for a year, but yeah, pretty much. And what was that like, growing up in South Auckland? Cool. It must have been tough. Mm. Well, I joined a gang. Really? Yeah, Crip City Boys. (CHUCKLES) I did the stand overs. OK. One time,... the cops brought me home. I got caught with my gear ` you know, knives, a baseball bat,... a few guns. But my dad didn't like that, eh. Always giving us hidings. He'd grab anything ` you know, a jug cord,... the broom,... a shoe. That one time, I just... I just snapped. I smashed him against the wall. (CLICK!) Really? You know the press is gonna jump all over this, don't ya? So is this something that you want the world to know? Cos once you put a story out like this, there's no going back. It is what it is, man. Sudafed - get your head back. (REPORTERS CLAMOUR) Jonah! Jonah! Jonah! Jonah! Jonah! Jonah! (REPORTERS CLAMOUR) Jonah! (REPORTERS CLAMOUR) All right, all right, all right, all right! Not named to play against Japan, Jonah ` how do you feel? Are you disappointed, Jonah? Nah, not at all. I'm happy to sit it out, let Mark Ellis have a go. OK, OK, as promised, ladies and gentlemen, press releases for everybody. Is anyone interested? Oh, there you go. All right. There's one for everyone. Take 'em, hand 'em out ` not a problem; one to go around for everyone. (CONSOLE WHIRRS) (CAR ENGINES REV ON TV) We've got Adidas, Heineken wanna go over the next few months; I need to talk to MasterCard about a few things. Have you seen my coat? That bloody game. Jo. Jo! Have you seen my black jacket? Oh,... yeah, yeah. Yeah, hold on. Are you OK? Yeah. I can't feel my feet. (GROANS) Are you OK? Lump. Weakling. (SIGHS) Are you OK? When are you gonna start? How long until he comes right? The neuropathy is severe, and there's a lot of nerve damage. You've lost 90% of the feeling in your feet. It could be a long road ahead. You could, uh, end up in a wheelchair. For life. No, I'm not using it. I said I'm not using those. Just give 'em a go, eh? No. Come on. You can't feel anything, OK? You could damage your feet. Or worse. I'm not a cripple! No, but you need to know what we're dealing with here, OK? Worst-case scenario. I'm Jonah fucking Lomu! I don't do worst-case scenarios! Jonah. Jonah! Stop being a dick. Oh, fine ` break your stupid neck. Yeah, I'll see you in the car. And you need to apologise to Doc! (UNSETTLING MUSIC) (GROANS) (GROANS) (R&B MUSIC) There you are. Hey. No rush, brother. You wanna colour in, bro? (GRUNTS) (LAUGHS) Don't know what you're worried about ` plenty of fun to be had in a wheelchair. Whatever, bro. Hey, apparently you get priority parking. Oh. Can you drive? You lazy bastard. My man! Come on, then. (SCREECHES) Whoo-hoo! Hey, what blood type are you? O for awesome. (CHUCKLES) Me too. Got myself tested. (CLEARS THROAT) Just in case. Maybe we're a match. (CLEARS THROAT) I mean it about giving you a kidney. Nah, bro. You're always so generous, always giving your time to people. You spent two hours today hanging out with those kids; your stuff. A kidney isn't a jacket, my man. Let me do this for you, brother. I got one spare, I'm fit, healthy ` I won't even miss it. (R&B MUSIC) (MUSIC FADES) (PAPER RUSTLES) Don't want you to get your hopes up. It's all good. And if it doesn't work out, I can stay on the wait list. I'm good at waiting. Yeah, there are a lot of factors involved, you know, not just blood type ` there's months of process, there's counselling. Just open it. (PAPER RUSTLES) What's it say? Give me a chance. (SIGHS) You're a match. Really? You and Grant are a match. Really? So I'm gonna get a kidney? (CHUCKLES) You're getting a kidney. (BOTH LAUGH) Well, I hope it's big enough. (LAUGHS) Me too. (LAUGHS) Oh. A standard kidney transplant, we place way down the bottom of the abdominal cavity ` here or here. The trouble with that is there's a very high probability of damage, especially if you go back to rugby ` stray boot, impact from the tackles. Are you saying he can't play again? Well, I think there might be a solution. What I'm proposing is a radical new approach and place the kidney up under the ribcage. There's a certain amount of risk, but not so much that I wouldn't attempt it. What do you think? I think it sounds like a good plan. It's a lot to process, so go away and have a think about it. Nah. I'm ready. I can't believe this is the last time we have to do this. My whole life is gonna change. And Doc reckons I've been running at 65%, maybe 70% ` think of me running at a hundred. You already talked to North Harbour ` they're keen to have me; then Blues, then back to ABs... just in time for 2007. (CHUCKLES) One step at a time, babe. I know I'm gonna make that AB team. Afterwards, we can go on a big fuck-off holiday to France. (CHUCKLES) You know, David Beckham has a place there, and he says we can come any time. (CHUCKLES) It's gonna be good. You OK? This is so stupid. What choice do we have? We promised Grant we'd keep it on the down-low. (DING!) My husband's just had his eyes done, needs to be kept in the dark. Gown really suits you, bro. Shut up, boy. Nah, seriously. It really brings out the colour of your eyes. Oh yeah? Brown eye. (BOTH CHUCKLE) Oh, yuck, dude. Ew. Boy. Hello, son. Mum. (SIGHS) (SPEAKS TONGAN) We'll just do a quick prayer, eh? (SPEAKS TONGAN) (SNIFFS) (SIGHS) (SPEAKS TONGAN) Amen. Mum. (SNIFFLES, SPEAKS TONGAN) Yeah, I will. Yeah. Grant, thank you so much for helping my son. Eh? It's my privilege. (SNIFFLES) (BOTH SPEAK TONGAN) Second thoughts? Only that we didn't do it sooner. I talked to Stephen before he went in to surgery. He's still planning to go up under the ribs. You're in good hands ` Stephen's the best. See you on the other side. (INTENSE MUSIC) (MONITOR BEEPS) WHISPERS: Hey. WHISPERS: Hey. You look really good. I'm hungry. You're hungry? (CHUCKLES) How's Grant? Grant's really good, honey. The surgeon's really happy. Where did he put it? Up. Up, like we all talked about. It's just up there, like we all talked about. Everything looks like it's in good working order. Yeah. After all these years, I finally feel like myself. Hey, Fee and Andy Dalton are cooking something up, a one-off at Twickenham with Martin Johnson ` he's on his way out, and I'm on my way in. You should come. When? June. June? Oh. London's lovely in summer. Yeah. I'll shout you and Sue. Business class. Nah, nah, you don't have to do that. I know. I want to ` for all your hard work. You should be there. Reckon you'll be ready? I was born ready, doc. (BOTH CHUCKLE) (HIP-HOP MUSIC) (MUSIC CONTINUES) (MUSIC CONTINUES) All right. Come on! You ready? Yeah. You ready? Yo. (MUSIC CONTINUES) ANNOUNCER: Jonah's team comes out first, jogging confidentially on to Twickenham. Lomu is back, in the game, on the field where he had so much glory in his heyday. Well, here they go, out to Lomu. Lomu. Try is given! Oh, got past Jonah that time! Lomu is struggling a bit with an injury to his shoulder. And he's in quite a bit of bother there. He did really grimace in pain. A slight shoulder problem ` let's hope that's nothing serious. That left shoulder, so hopefully that clears up quickly. Fuck! (PANTS) (SIGHS) (SIGHS) (FOOTSTEPS APPROACH) You've fried the glenohumeral joint. The impact's shorn off 40% of the bone. It's a serious operation ` you'll need three pins to hold it together. Six months' recovery time. Six months? Before you can even go back to training. How'd the kidney hold up? Kidney's just fine. Thank you. (GRUNTS) Hey. How many people could come back from a kidney transplant and make a return to rugby? Play a game like that? Score a try like that? It's just a small setback, babe ` eye on the prize. You got this. (LAUGHTER) 2007 International Rugby Hall Of Fame ` too much. It's a special meaning when you start winning awards like this, bro. Means your career's over (!) (LAUGHTER) Smart-arse! (LAUGHS) I reckon hang up the boots, mate ` come join the old farts' club with us. (LAUGHTER) Hey. Heya. He's just getting ready. Yeah, thought he could do with a night out. (CHUCKLES) Yeah, good idea. Jonah. Hey. Swish. My man. I won't be late. OK. Bye. Mwah. Oh, hurry up. (CHUCKLES) See ya! (BASSY MUSIC PLAYS) (CHUCKLES) (CHUCKLES) I'm gonna be a Dad! True? The missus just passed the three months mark. Early days yet, but yeah. My man! (LAUGHS) Drinks on me. (INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS) (BASSY MUSIC CONTINUES PLAYING) Nice to meet you, brother. You too, man. Have a good night. (INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS) Hey, Jonah. Hey. Nadene. Fancy seeing you here. Yeah, you too. Yeah. Sela, look who it is. Hi. Hey. Hey, Nadene. Just another Coke for me ` I'm driving. Hey, Loretta ` Sela. Hey. (CHUCKLES) Thanks for the ride. Is this the old man's place? Nah. Jarek and I split. I'm just staying with a friend till I get myself sorted. I'm sorry. Thanks. Laters. (SIGHS) Whoa, whoa, whoa. What? She's upset. (SIGHS) (CLICK!) (SNORES) (CELL PHONE RINGS) (SNORTS) (CELL PHONE RINGS) Yeah, hey, Fi. Yeah, it's Sela. We're just at the petrol station. Jo's just inside paying for the petrol. Yep. All good. We won't be long. (PHONE KEYPAD BEEPS) (KNOCKS AT DOOR) (SIGHS) Bro, we've gotta go. All right. All right. (DOOR SLAMS) Bro, come in for a feed. Nah, I gotta cruise. Oh, come on, bro. I'll make you a toastie. I need to get home to the missus. Cheese and onion. I've gotta be at the radio station in an hour. (SIGHS) All right, bro. (SIGHS) You shouldn't have answered my phone. We're too old to be doing this shit. It was just a cup of tea. Do you think I'm dumb? There is way worse shit happening in this world than the retirement of the great Jonah Lomu. You're set for life with your Adidas sponsorships and endorsements coming out of your fucking arse. I love you, bro, but honestly, you need to cut the bullshit. (SIGHS) (KEYS JANGLE) Where have you been? I'm talking to you. (SIGHS) (INTENSE MUSIC) You can't be going out every night and expecting me to be waiting for you at home. Do you think I'm stupid? I know what you're getting up to. Jo. Look at me. (SPITS) Things can't keep going on like this. - (DRAWER CLATTERS) - Please. Please don't shut me out. Whatever you've done, we can work through it. You don't know jack shit. That's because you don't talk to me. There is plenty of life after rugby, the All Blacks. You think I'm finished? Eh? It is done. You're playing... (YELLS) You are 32 years old. You are lucky to be alive. Let's just enjoy our life! And do what? Eh? Holidays? Long walks on the beach (?) I'm a fucking rugby player! If you think I'm done, then... fuck, I guess we're done. (SNIFFLES) (THUD!) Keep it all ` the house, the car; everything! (INTENSE MUSIC) (CAR ENGINE STARTS) (CAR ENGINE REVS) (HIP-HOP MUSIC) (CAR ENGINE REVS) (TYRES SCREECH) Oh fuck. (TYRES SCREECH) (PANTS) Oh fuck. Yeah, retirement's tough. Every player goes through this. Cheers. Oh, a French team's interested. That's great. Third division. Thought I might give it a crack. Mm ` good wine, pastries. I'm sorry about Fiona. All right, boys, ready to get your butt kicked? Mum, can Jonah stay for dinner? Of course. You've taken all this remarkably well. Cheers. Jesus, Jo. You could have brought her in. Hello. Hi. (CLEARS THROAT) Hi. (CHUCKLES) (SIGHS) (R&B MUSIC) Where do you want these? Put them in the bedroom. (INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS) Hey. Are you OK? Can you smell this? Does it smell weird to you? I think somebody spiked my juice. We'll go get some air. OK. Thanks. What are you testing for? Full blood count, alcohol, narcotics. She doesn't drink. Is there any chance you could be pregnant? She had one of her ovaries removed, and I don't think I can have kids. Hey. Heya. (CLEARS THROAT) Sorry. Excuse me. What's going on? Are we gonna hear something soon? It won't be too long. Thank you. (CURTAIN RATTLES) (SIGHS) You are pregnant. Did you just say she's pregnant? According to her urine sample, yes. I'm not sure how many weeks ` you'll need to get a scan to confirm that. OK. Whatever she was slipped, is it gonna hurt the baby? The test just came back positive for Rohypnol. She'll be fine ` she just needs to sleep it off. Thank you. Thank you. Have a good night, miss. Thank you. (MURMURS) Hey, hey, we're gonna have a baby. (BOTH CHUCKLE) (CHUCKLES) (SIGHS) (SPEAKS TONGAN) (SPEAKS TONGAN) (SPEAKS TONGAN) (SPEAKS TONGAN) (SPEAKS TONGAN) (SPEAKS TONGAN) (SPEAKS TONGAN) (TINKLY ELECTRONIC MUSIC) (MUSIC CONTINUES) (CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS) (CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS) (CHEERING) Happy birthday, mate. OK, OK, all right. Boys, I just wanna say that it's an honour and a privilege to see a Captain leading from the front. And so on that note Fitzy, happy birthday, mate. (CHEERING) How you feeling? Yeah, good. You did well out there today, Big Man. Thanks, boss. It's been a good tournament. It's only gonna get harder. We're gonna come up against some big guns ` the Underwoods, Ian Hunter ` you gotta keep your head in the game. You're doing well. You're not the complete package yet, but we'll get there. (BASSY MUSIC PLAYS) (INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS) (MUSIC CONTINUES PLAYING) Hi. I'm Tanya. I'm Jonah. So, what do you do when you're not playing rugby? Um... (CHUCKLES) Well, no one's ever asked me that before ` it's always been about sport. But I like cars ` fast cars. (CHUCKLES) And I like music, but just the loud stuff. I like animals, and... I work at a bank. So you like money. Oh, nah. Nah, I just like the customers. You find all sorts in there, but I like talking to them. And what do you do? I'm a student. Oh yeah? What do you study? Sorry. I have to go. Can I see you again? It was lovely to meet you, Jonah. (INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS) (SIGHS) (DOOR CLICKS) (R&B MUSIC) (LAUGHTER) No. No. But I was there. I was there. Hey, look who it is. Hey, Big Man. Come take a seat, mate. (CHUCKLES) Jesus, mate, never go out on the razz with this one, cos he is... he will lead you astray. You, my lad, are the talk of the town. Yeah, word on the street is that Rupert Murdoch is interested. In what? In you. In rugby. I mean, you know who he is, right? International media mogul, owns lots of TV stations and papers and shit. Mm-hm. And rumour is he wants to get professional rugby off the ground so he can buy the TV rights. Yeah, like that's gonna happen. It is Rupert Murdoch ` he gets what he wants. Plus, the man has a shit-ton of money, so... Jonah, you are a wunderkinder, human wrecking ball, a freak. You've got size and speed. You are the kind of the player that people wanna turn their telly on to watch. Think of the future, eh, if rugby went professional? Mate, you would be on the television every weekend, and you wouldn't have to work in a bank. You'd own the bank. (BOTH CHUCKLE) Own the bank! That's right. Withdrawals only. (LAUGHS) Nice. That's good. OK, just turn around and look at me.. I need another word with Jonah. Have you got everything you need? Yeah, we're good. All right, perfect. I'll walk you out. Am I in trouble, boss? No, no, no, no, no, no. We just didn't want you distracted by any of the bad press that's been going around. Bad press? Oh, you hadn't heard? Underwood's being saying a few things about you in the paper. Underwood? Which one? Tony. Saying you're useless, green, you haven't come up against a real winger. I mean, it's just... He's just trying to get inside your head. You focus on what you have to do, OK? I can't believe this guy Underwood is talking shit. I mean, who does he think he is? He doesn't know me. You'll be awesome, babe. He's got nothing on you. Nah, straight up. (SIREN WAILS) Oh shit. Get out of the car, keep your eyes down, and do whatever they say. Out you get. Whose car is this? My father's, sir. I borrowed it for the weekend. I drove down for the rugby. Sure you didn't nick it? No, sir. We've been parked up all night, just talking. Jonah Lomu, is it? Yes, sir. We've done nothing wrong. Pleased to hear it. We don't want any trouble, sir. Relax. I just want your autograph. (R&B MUSIC) (MUSIC CONTINUES) (CHUCKLES) (PLAYERS CHAT INDISTINCTLY) (PLAYERS CHAT INDISTINCTLY) Five minutes, boys. Everything we've done is for now ` semi-final, all the games, pre-game, build-up. Let's go. (MAJESTIC MUSIC) Bring it in, boys. Fire up. All in. All in from now. Hit them fast. (PLAYERS CHAT INDISTINCTLY) Bring it on. That first 10 minutes, we're fucking hitting them hard, all right? We're on. Does anyone wanna say anything? Today, I'm prepared to die for this jersey. (CHEERING) ANNOUNCER: Now, it's the biggest game of their life, when you think about these young guys ` so much of the New Zealand team's hopes rest with Jonah Lomu. Bachop again! New Zealand maintaining possession. Wide to Lomu. He's got the bounce. He's hounded off his opposite! - Lomu! Oh! Oh! - (CHEERING) Two minutes into the game, Jonah Lomu! - Look out ` Lomu in again! - (CHEERING) - Lomu! - (CHEERING) - Three for Lomu! Heading for four! - (CHEERING) That's the most brilliant quartet of tries you'd ever wish to see! And the young Kiwi supporters come on and pat the backs of their heroes, and none bigger than the one you see there, so admired throughout this country and throughout the rugby world, Jonah Lomu. (MAJESTIC MUSIC) (CHEERING) (SIREN WAILS) (SIREN WAILS) (MONITOR BEEPS) (ALARM WHOOPS) (MONITOR BEEPS) (MONITOR BEEPS) Your body rejected the kidney. We don't know why, and you went into renal failure. You should be dead. I don't know how you do it. It must be all that taro, doc. (CHUCKLES) Eh,... you said you last about 10 years on dialysis,... max. I guess the clock is ticking. (INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS) ANNOUNCER: The All Blacks still the kings of world rugby! Is this the greatest ever era, even for New Zealand? Well, it feels like it right now. (CHEERING) Yes, lads, back to back, baby! Ooh, Big Jo! Shot, bro. Hey. You gonna be at the after-match? Yeah, wouldn't miss it, man. My man. Hey, well done, boys. Good game out there. TEAM CHANT: Jonah! Jonah! Jonah! Jonah! Jonah! Jonah! Jonah! Jonah! Jonah! Jonah! (CHANTING FADES) (POIGNANT PIANO MUSIC) (DOOR CLANKS) (MUSIC CONTINUES) (MUSIC BUILDS) (MUSIC BUILDS) (MUSIC CONTINUES) (SYNTHESISER JOINS PIANO) (MUSIC CONTINUES) (MUSIC CONTINUES) (MUSIC BUILDS) (PIANO SOLO) (MUSIC CONTINUES) (DRUMS JOIN PIANO) (SOULFUL MUSIC) (MUSIC CONTINUES) (DRUM SOLO) (MUSIC CONTINUES) (SIREN WAILS) (HIP-HOP MUSIC) (MUSIC CONTINUES) (CHEERING) (HORN BLARES) (CHEERING) (CHEERING FADES) (PIANO MUSIC) (MUSIC CONTINUES) Captions by Faith Hamblyn. Captions were made with the support of NZ On Air. www.able.co.nz Copyright Able 2019.