French Factfile
Posted: Thursday October 28, 1999 07:11 PM
| Milestones in History |
| Year |
Notes |
1870
1872
1892
1904
1906
1910
1911
1919
1931
1947
1959
1968
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Nickname: Les Bleus (The Blues) as in "Allez Les Bleus" ("Come on France") -- the chant
of its fans.
First recorded game in France played by English students at Le Havre
First French club formed.
First French championship won by Racing Club de France in final refereed by Olympic
founder Baron Pierre de Coubertin.
France introduces rugby at Olympic Games.
First international, against New Zealand at Parc des Princes.
France joins to form Five Nations championship.
France beats Scotland 16-15 for first test win.
French rugby union (FFR) formed.
France expelled from Five Nations.
France rejoins Five Nations
France wins Five Nations for first time outright.
France wins first Grand Slam.
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| World Cup Record |
| Year |
Notes |
1987
1991
1995
|
Fresh from its fourth Five Nations grand slam, France was the pick of the Northern
Hemisphere with forward power added to its traditional flair. It drew its opening match
20-20 with Scotland before sweeping through to the semifinals. France defeated
favorite Australia 30-24, thanks to last minute Serge Blanco try, and met New Zealand
in the final. But France had peaked and the All Blacks won the final 29-9.
Disappointing tournament that saw France cruise through opening round before coming
unstuck against England in the quarterfinals 19-10. England forwards maintained
pressure for 80 minutes and after final whistle coach Daniel Dubroca manhandled referee
David Bishop. Dubroca resigned.
France battled past Scotland 22-19 in final group game before cruising past Ireland
36-12 in quarterfinals. Semifinal against South Africa was delayed by a thunderstorm
that nearly resulted in cancellation of the match. If that had happened France would
have qualified for the final as it had better disciplinary record. However, after a
90-minute delay game was played and Springboks waded home 19-15.
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Reuters contributed to this report.
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