Lomu's World Cup hopes fade

Jonah Lomu's last hope of grabbing a place in the New Zealand team to the rugby union World Cup faded Tuesday when he took only a limited part in training with his Wellington provincial side.

Lomu, who is undergoing dialysis three times a week while awaiting a kidney transplant, ran lightly during a morning speed and stamina session did not participate in contact training later in the day.

He is now unlikely to be selected for Wellington's National Provincial Championship match against Waikato on Friday - his last chance to impress the All Blacks selectors before New Zealand's 30-man World Cup squad is named August 25.

Lomu was twice unable to train with the Wellington Lions last week because of sore calf muscles, a complaint later revealed to be a consequence of his delicate kidney condition.

He did not train Monday and his continued absence is likely to prevent him winning selection in the Wellington team for Friday's match at Hamilton.

Lomu has played only once - in Wellington's non-championship match against Taranaki two weeks ago - since appearing for the Hurricanes in the Super 12 in March.

He suffered complete renal failure in June as a result of the rare illness nephritis and has since been undergoing dialysis treatment at Auckland hospital. Lomu, 28, is among several hundred New Zealanders wait listed for transplant surgery.

Lomu's absence from the World Cup, which starts in Australia on Oct. 10, would be a blow to organizers who could use his marketability to boost the tournament's profile.

The blockbusting wing, 28, played at 1995 and 1999 World Cups in which New Zealand was beaten in the final and semifinals respectively.

Lomu has said his overriding ambition in rugby is to win a World Cup with the All Blacks. The 2003 tournament is seen as his last chance to do so.