The Biarritz Golf blog
Les bleus v Les Rosbif (as we are called in Biarritz)
By Keith Sutherland 25 February 2008
Well, it would be irresponsible of me as an Englishman living in Biarritz, probably the most partizan rugby region of France, not to acknowledge the events in Paris last Saturday night. Yes, I am fully integrated into the local culture, speak passable French and embrace all that this fantastic region has to offer those, who like me, originate from foreign shores …. but I was born and bread in England and grew up on a diet of Rugby. As our French guests arrived at our house shouting “allez les bleus” at the top of their voices and having witnessed the earlier debacle against Wales at Twickenham, I was not in a confident mood. At Half time with England on the rampage the red wine tasted very nice indeed and it did help to numb the feeling of panic as the French revival started in the second half. As my French guests bragged of retribution for the defeat in the semi final of the World cup, the red wine kicked in again and with Johnny in full flow and a try in the last two minutes, our friends were struck dumb … 13 -24 !! If you ever want to witness a disconsolate Frenchman drink two bottles of red wine in about thirty seconds .. beat his national rugby team twice in the space of six months and on his own soil. The bragging rights in Biarritz are mine for at least another 12 months … c’est magnifique