And so they met. And the cheek continued.
"He's just asked me for a ticket to the final," Umaga grinned, "I don't even have one myself."
The pair talked tactics in French - both agreed France were in for a hiding tonight against the All Blacks at Eden Park and Mr Herve said he thought his team were playing a B side, a "disrespectful" move towards New Zealand.
Umaga reckoned Mr Herve was a typical example of the passion Toulon people have for rugby.
"You go to the small towns and watch rugby, they sing, they're right there with the players. They feel the losses, all the highs and the lows.
"A lot of people there say some go to church for their religion, others go to Stade Mayol."
Mr Herve's enthusiasm was what the Rugby World Cup was all about, Umaga said. "The amazing thing is this gentleman, he's come all this way, can't speak English and he's just done it off his own back.
"That's the great thing about this tournament and rugby, it brings people together. They might not know each other but by the end of it ... they might be lifelong friends."
After the meeting Mr Herve told the Herald through an interpreter his heart was thudding.
"There are no words to say how happy I am. I'll never forget this."
