DECRYPTION – If their individual talents are indisputable, the many New Zealand internationals who came to play in France did not all shine on the lawns.
An excellence that no longer needs to be demonstrated. Across the world, New Zealand has made its rugby players the ambassadors of the country, wearing the colors of the Pacific archipelago. And, since the advent of professional rugby, the best Kiwi elements have not hesitated to leave the “land of the long white cloud” en masse to play in France.
If there were a few pioneers (the legendary flanker Graham Mourie at the Paris University Club in 1977 or Robbie Deans in Grenoble in 1983), the exodus accelerated after the 2007 World Cup in France. With varying degrees of success.
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There were obviously passages noticed. Like those of star opener Dan Carter, in Perpignan, 2009 French champion, then in Racing 92, which won the first Brennus in its modern history in 2016. Surely because his game is similar to that of the All Blacks, Stade Toulousain has welcomed several renowned players who have been able to adapt perfectly and shine in the championship. There was
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