Who has John Gallagher's jersey from the All Blacks' triumph in the first World Cup?
It is one of the mysteries of the 1987 tournament and an enduring link between the All Blacks and France, who tomorrow in Paris celebrate 100 years of test rugby clashes.
When famousFrench fullback Serge Blanco and his side travelled that year to train in Whangarei, young local rugby fan Tony Vellere asked Blanco to wear his rugby socks at training. Blanco agreed and became strong friends with Vellere and his family and friends.
Vellere travelled around New Zealand watching the French and in a supreme gesture after France lost the World Cup final, Blanco gave Vellere the All Black jersey he had swapped with Gallagher.
However, on the way out of Eden Park, a zealous security guard took the jersey from Vellere, believing he had somehow pinched it in the melee after the final whistle.
That story was one of many told last night at a gathering in Paris to celebrate a book by Ian Borthwick marking the centenary of tests between the All Blacks and Tricolores.
Blanco and Vellere were both present, Blanco now a senior French rugby official and Vellere an electrician in Ireland.
"I would love to know where the jersey is," said Vellere. "I have tried to find out, but someone somewhere must have seen someone wearing it. I have been unable to find it and it is one of my great regrets."
* Do you know where the jersey is? Contact us at sportrac@nzherald .co.nz
