A Tragedy - But A Great Game of Rugby

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   Christophe Dominici, hero of the 1999 RWC semi-final v All Blacks died earlier this week.

BBC Sport

Vividly remember watching this game in the Thistle Park in Plymouth. A fire started in the kitchen half way through; 999, evacuation, the works. Got a massive rollocking from the Head FB Officer after sneaking back in, so withdrew to the pub over the road - pints and all. 

One of the all time great matches for me. France came from behind playing the highest quality champagne rugby against the "Dark Side". (Edit: Not quite - shocking 1st half discipline and Mehrtens' kicking was all over the shop.) One reason I'm posting this is that the game is being re-run tonight on the L'Equipe channel at 21.00 (FR time). It could be watchable elsewhere, but techno-numpty here has no idea how to find out... (Edit: Poor quality - VHS copy(?) available on Youtube.)

Much the worse for wear, I then phoned home to discuss the game with the Old Man. He was out, so I ended up trying to explain the whole shooting match to my non-sporty (American!) mum. Not my finest hour...

Edited by stonehousealbion - 26 Nov 2020 at 23:20

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stonehousealbion Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List World Cup Winner Joined: 07 May 2011 Location: Plymouth Status: Offline Points: 1628	Post Options Post Reply Quote stonehousealbion Report Post Thanks(1) Quote Reply Topic: A Tragedy - But A Great Game of Rugby Posted: 26 Nov 2020 at 17:32
	Christophe Dominici, hero of the 1999 RWC semi-final v All Blacks died earlier this week. BBC Sport Vividly remember watching this game in the Thistle Park in Plymouth. A fire started in the kitchen half way through; 999, evacuation, the works. Got a massive rollocking from the Head FB Officer after sneaking back in, so withdrew to the pub over the road - pints and all. One of the all time great matches for me. France came from behind playing the highest quality champagne rugby against the "Dark Side". (Edit: Not quite - shocking 1st half discipline and Mehrtens' kicking was all over the shop.) One reason I'm posting this is that the game is being re-run tonight on the L'Equipe channel at 21.00 (FR time). It could be watchable elsewhere, but techno-numpty here has no idea how to find out... (Edit: Poor quality - VHS copy(?) available on Youtube.) Much the worse for wear, I then phoned home to discuss the game with the Old Man. He was out, so I ended up trying to explain the whole shooting match to my non-sporty (American!) mum. Not my finest hour... Edited by stonehousealbion - 26 Nov 2020 at 23:20
	Come cheer up, my lads - 'tis to glory we steer!

French Connection Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List World Cup Winner Joined: 16 May 2017 Location: France Status: Offline Points: 663	Post Options Post Reply Quote French Connection Report Post Thanks(1) Quote Reply Posted: 27 Nov 2020 at 10:11
	A real tragedy for sure. Here in France the rugby community are in proper mourning. It hasn't been confirmed but it's strongly suspected that he committed suicide as he was seen climbing onto the roof of a disused building soon before his body was discovered. He had a history of mental health issues and had a pretty bad nervous breakdown after the 99 RWC. He found the fame really hard to cope with, among other things. Tragedies like this show us that we shouldn't assume that just because a person has fame, money and great talent everything is OK with them. Tragic for sure.