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10 August 2014
Another Peter Fatialofa story; this one from well-known New Zealand author, columnist and broadcaster Phil Gifford.
As Phil tells it; 'One time Peter and I were both speaking at the same sports dinner. In Peter's speech he also decided to hark back to the great win by Samoa over Wales in 1991 at the Rugby World Cup. He told the dinner; 'When I gave my final team talk to the boys before the game that day I told them I myself was prepared to do anything for victory in the game, 'to break an arm, break a leg or even break my neck in order to win.'
Phil Gifford said the sincerity of Peter's speech went down really well with the dinner crowd.
But when the two men were driving to the airport afterwards Fats leaned over to Phil and whispered, 'You know I wasn't completely honest with that speech back there. When I said that I had told the team I was prepared to break an arm or a leg or my neck to win, well, I was bullshitting about the neck!'
Comments 1
On this day New Zealand did beat USA 34-3 in Marcoussis, France but other results saw the Black Fern's great run at the previous four Rugby World Cups come to an end.
BASTIAT, JEAN-PIERRE
Dax and France
32 internationals for France 1969–78
Jean-Pierre Bastiat was first capped as a lock against Romania in 1969. Although he played his first 10 internationals as a second-rower, it was as a No. 8 that he made his formidable reputation as a hard man of French forward play in his time.
The 2 metres (6ft 6in) tall Bastiat was part of a thrilling French loose forward trio, with Jean-Pierre Rives and Jean-Claude Skrela. He could run as well, and was also the French goal-kicker in several games. Although injuries and unavailability disrupted his career, Bastiat became one of the most feared forwards of his day.
He was appointed the French captain in 1977–78, his last season. Under his leadership France won its first three championship games; so did Wales. When the two teams met at Cardiff Arms Park the Grand Slam was at stake. Sadly for Bastiat and France, Wales was too good and won 16–7.
In later years Bastiat became a French selector and in 2002 was still involved with the selection and coaching of the national team.
What is the difference in years between Joe Stanley playing his last test for New Zealand, and Jeremy Stanley being picked to become an All Black and emulate his father’s success?
What do you think?
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2 July 2015 (10 years ago)
Rowbo
I love that story about Peter when late in his Super 14 career, he was asked whether there was any truth to the story that he was going to play his final year in Otago.
He said " No, I'm an Islander...not a Highlander!"