The 2008 French Classics team, many of whom are expected to
form the core of the team playing the Classic All Blacks in
Queenstown in September. Photo supplied.
On July 14, 1789 - 222 years ago yesterday - the people
of Paris stormed the Bastille, and in just over eight weeks,
the French will come to do battle in Queenstown.
However, the resort stands ready and, come September 18, will
mount a formidable defence in the nation's honour.
The battleground, Queenstown Rec Ground, has been agreed, as
have the weapons of choice - some of the most outstanding men
to have represented France and New Zealand in rugby in recent
history, during the French Classic and Classic All Blacks
rugby match.
Destination Queenstown marketing general manager Graham Budd
said the "wily French" knew their rugby teams had often been
New Zealand's nemesis and they would play on the
psychological advantage, with the All Blacks' defeat by the
French in the 1999 Rugby World Cup semifinal still etched in
the memory of many New Zealanders.
That defeat would provide extra motivation for the Classic
All Blacks to rewrite the history books.
While the French were keeping the names of most of their team
secret, three have been confirmed.
Centre Franck Comba, who notched up 13 caps for France
between 1998 and 2001, and hooker Marc de Rougemont, who also
had 13 caps, have been named along with lock David Auradou.
Mr Budd said New Zealand would leave nothing to chance come
September 18. Big guns were being brought in for the match,
including Christian Cullen, Jeff Wilson, Andrew Mehrtens,
Justin Marshall, Tony Brown, Charlie Hore, Reuben Thorne,
Dion Muir, Kees Meeuws, Scott Robertson and Queenstown's
Kelvin Middleton.
The match, organised by Destination Queenstown in conjunction
with Classic All Blacks convener Andy Haden and the Sevens
with Altitude committee, was expected to attract locals and
visitors from all nations.
A limited number of tickets can be bought via the Ticketek
website, with 250 grandstand tickets at $25 plus booking fee
and 2000 general admission tickets at $12. The remaining 4750
tickets will be sold at the gate on game day.
Children under 16 can attend free.
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