2023-09-23 04:21:34
Inès Zeghloul, edited by Gauthier Delomez / Photo credits: DAVID ROGERS / GETTY IMAGES EUROPE / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP 06:21 a.m., September 23, 2023
Before facing Italy next Friday in Lyon, the All Blacks stopped at a sports store in Paris to meet many French fans. In this Rugby World Cup, New Zealand players are indeed among the players most anticipated by fans.
“I ask you to welcome Beauden Barrett, Jordie Barrett, Damian McKenzie…!” exclaims a speaker in front of a crowd gathered in a sports store in Paris. New Zealand players are welcomed like stars wherever they go, on the sidelines of the Rugby World Cup in France. It must be said that the All Blacks and their haka have made the French dream since the start of the competition. They move French crowds across France.
“I came to have my things signed by the All Blacks. It’s more impressive than on television already… You don’t see the players of the best team in the world every day!”, relishes a young fan on the microphone Europe 1.
The All Blacks discover the French art of living
Beauden Barrett and his teammates willingly leave the oval ball to shake the hands of football enthusiasts rugby. “Even against the French, the supporters were friendly, energetic, with passion… The fervor here is really cool,” underlines the fly-half.
Off the course, New Zealanders play golf in Lyon, enjoy the pleasures of the Arcachon basin, and the French art of living. “I love croissants! But you shouldn’t eat too many, just to stay in shape!”, agrees another player on the team, who adds: “I was also forced to taste snails, a specialty from here apparently.”
All this may be enough to motivate the star of the New Zealand XV, Damian McKenzie, to join the ranks of the Top 14, the first division of rugby in France. “Maybe later in my career,” he believes. “It could be an option because France is a very beautiful country, with very welcoming people, so maybe one day,” admits the New Zealand international. For the moment, the All Blacks are focused on their next match against Italy, next Friday in Lyon.
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