David Smith had more international choices than most so it's hard to generate sympathy for his test rugby dream being dashed in France.
Residency qualified the 29-year-old wing for France and he was picked to debut this weekend against Wales when more non-Gallic sounding wings, Teddy Thomas and Marvin O'Connor were injured.
Selection in the NZ sevens side in 2008 though has counted against Smith's Tricolores test hopes.
That year the sevens rather than the under 20 side confirmed NZ players nationality so Smith cannot represent another test side unless World Rugby amends their rules.
He was spoiled for choice. He could have joined Samoa, stayed in NZ to pursue test glory or wiped both of those and tried his luck elsewhere as he has in France.