Rugby League: Freeman's bitter memories remain

By PETER JESSUP

Kiwi coach Gary Freeman's memories of the last New Zealand-France test here in 1995, his last at home as Kiwi halfback, are not good.

The Kiwis had stumbled to a 22-6 win in the first test at Ericsson Stadium.

Going into the second at Palmerston North, the home side were dead-set favourites, judged to be one of the strongest sides ever selected.

Both teams were seeking a steady build-up to the imminent World Cup, the French juniors judged the easybeats.

They bit with a vengeance.

Niggling tactics upset the Kiwis, they responded beyond call, and the result was a violent 16-16 draw.

A French referee helped, Marcel Chanfreau unable to keep up with the play.

"There was not one player in the squad happy with his performance," new coach Frank Endacott said afterwards.

And of the second test: "I will be very disappointed if you don't see a sparkling display.

"The Kiwis want to go out and play football," he said.

They didn't.

The home side were sucked into the French niggling tactics and the game was marred by all-in brawls.

Brendon Tuuta, later to be given the unforgettable nickname "The Baby-Faced Assassin" by the Aussies, was sinbinned, followed by Freeman and Stephen Kearney.

One of the French was similarly banished.

Captain John Lomax was substituted in the 29th minute and did not come back, with Freeman taking the lead.

In the 48th minute, Chanfreau gave the French a penalty try when Matthew Ridge late-tackled his opposite, Frederic Banquet - on debut then and backing up tomorrow - as Banquet kicked a ball intended for the in-goal but which rolled into touch short of the line.

The Kiwis lead 16-8 at the break, but two tries to the French midway through the second spell levelled the scores.

The home side blew a variety of opportunities to secure a field goal.