World Cup moments: David and the goliaths

By ALAN PERROTT

New Zealand - France, World Cup Final. June 20, 1987. Eden Park, Auckland.

The scene

New Zealand roar into the final with a record 49-6 pummelling of Wales. France sneak in via a last-gasp 30-24 victory over early cup favourites Australia.

The French team are littered with experienced stars such as Serge Blanco and Philippe Sella, but Brian Lochore's young All Black squad are gagging to avenge a heavy loss in Nantes the previous year.

To cover the match, TVNZ cram 17 fixed and four handheld cameras into Eden Park, throw another into a helicopter and try to fly a blimp over from Australia.

An 80m screen is set up in a Parisian park to show the game live at 4am. Former lock Peter Jones sends a bucket of Ninety Mile Beach sand to Grant Fox for his shots at goal, and French kicker Camberabero gets his confidence from his new hair transplant.

The moment

Michael Jones wins an attacking lineout. "Smokin" Joe Stanley bullocks into the blue line, Kirk snipes down the blind side of the resulting ruck, links with Grant Fox, who sends the ball infield to Jones.

The inspirational flanker fends off a would-be tackler while delivering a sweet, one-handed pass to Kirk, who goes over near the right-hand corner and pounds his fist in triumph.

What we said

"They won the World Cup by pressing their thumbs against the artery of forward power which pumps the life-blood into French rugby creativity ... but perhaps Kirk shone brightest of all ... He was in the thick of everything. He went into those deep, dark places where men are men and halfbacks are frightened."

What next

In a month the Webb Ellis Cup had gone from ambitious experiment to the most-sought-after prize in rugby. The All Black form leading up to their 29-9 victory had lifted the sport to new heights and they dominated allcomers for the next three years.

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