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4 August 2002
More Gold for New Zealand rugby at the Commonwealth Games
This time at Manchester with Gordon Tietjens as coach and Eric Rush as captain New Zealand wins the sevens final beating Fiji 33-25.
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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