Nineties
1991 World Cup quarter-final: October 19, Parc des Princes
France 10 England 19
England were on France’s patch. The atmosphere was highly charged. “It was the most ferocious, brutal match I have played in,” wrote England hooker Brian Moore. “It was the reason I play the game. It was the ultimate feeling of being alive.” Moore survived the day, so too did England. Serge Blanco, normally so placid, was involved in an early punch-up. “England used me as a doormat,” said Blanco. Tries by Rory Underwood and Carling sent England through. The drama wasn’t over. In the tunnel afterwards the French coach, Daniel Dubroca, manhandled David Bishop, the New Zealand referee. Dubroca never coached France again. It was a sad end to a stormy day.
February 15 1992, Parc des Princes
France 13 England 31
The bad taste of that World Cup afternoon lingered. For 70 minutes the ill-feeling was kept in check, primarily because the England pack were so dominant. The rest of the team weighed in too, notably full-back Jon Webb with 19 points. But all that excellence was overshadowed by a burst of spectacular madness by France. Prop Gregoire Lascube was sent off for stamping. “He did a Fred Astaire on my head,” said Martin Bayfield. Lascube was followed by his hooker, Vincent Moscato, for headbutting. Irish referee Stephen Hilditch had a police escort from the field.
March 16 1991, Twickenham
England 21 France 19
This was one of Twickenham’s finest days. It was not just that England clinched only their second Grand Slam in 31 years but that there was so much to admire in the style and attitude of both teams. There was tension but there was spectacle, crowned by what ranks as one of the greatest tries scored in international rugby.
The French scrumhalf, Pierre Berbizier, retrieved a missed penalty attempt behind his own posts. England thought there was nothing on. Think again. Blanco loped behind Berbizier and France were on the move. Lafond, Camberabero, Sella, Camberabero again, a chip-kick and there was Saint-Andre to run it home. A hundred yards, a few seconds of play, a lifetime’s memory.