Fitzy’s frosty response to famous French try
Nigel Owens claims All Blacks captain Sean Fitzpatrick delivered an F-bomb to Welsh referee Derek Bevan during New Zealand’s shock test series loss to France at Eden Park in 1994.
Bevan was in charge of the twotest series that marked the start of Jonah Lomu’s international career but will be remembered for ‘‘the try from the end of the world’’ that secured a famous win in Auckland and a rare home series loss for the All Blacks.
France had won the first test in Christchurch 22-8 but thought their chances of a series triumph were gone when the All Blacks led 20-16 with time running out in Auckland.
That’s when they pulled off the miracle try to fullback Jean-Luc Sardouny and Bevan allegedly copped a blast from a very annoyed Fitzpatrick as France triumphed 23-20.
Current Welsh refereeing star Owens retold the tale on the House of Rugby podcast with his usual dash of humour.
He noted that the All Blacks looked to have the match safe when first-five Stephen Bachop kicked deep into French territory, backing their defence to see out time.
‘‘They were now going to win this game – the series would be drawn – and France were never going to get their first series win in New Zealand,’’ Owens recounted to the House of Rugby podcast before he described the brilliant French counter-attack and the resulting spray the ref got from Fitzpatrick, albeit with some details blurred by the passage of time.
‘‘Philippe Saint-Andre starts it and France score this brilliant, brilliant try that’s out of this world.
‘‘New Zealand have now lost the series and Sean Fitzpatrick is captain. He’s totally deflated after being in control all game, they’ve lost it.
‘‘Derek has given the try and as he’s walking back, Fitzpatrick and a few forwards are trudging back to get behind the posts for the conversion.
‘‘As Derek passes Fitzpatrick, he says to him ‘what a wonderful try that was’.
‘‘Fitzpatrick turns to Derek and says ‘why don’t you just f*** off Bevan’.
‘‘You couldn’t say that now, but back then you could.’’
The colourful and expressive Bevan, who officiated at four World Cups including the 1991 final, became Owens’ mentor.
Owens has gone on to be regarded as the game’s best referee, having officiated a world record 98 tests, including the 2015 World Cup final won by the All Blacks.
He’s also gained a reputation for his humour and his regular stands on social justice.