“These moments will remain etched in my memory forever,” one of the former referees’ supervisors shares his fondest memories with us

“ This picture with Nelson Mandela is on my desk, next to the Rugby World Cup I got in 2013. At the time, I liked it. It was extraordinary! » In 1995, Michel Lamoli, originally from Mont-de-Marsan, flew to South Africa. He is the supervisor of refereeing at the World Cup. An event that the entire “Rainbow Nation” has been waiting for, one year after the historic elections of its first president.

“ This picture with Nelson Mandela is on my desk, next to the Rugby World Cup I got in 2013. At the time, I liked it. It was extraordinary! » In 1995, Michel Lamoli, originally from Mont-de-Marsan, flew to South Africa. He is the supervisor of refereeing at the World Cup. An event that the entire “Rainbow Nation” has been waiting for, one year after the historic election of its first black president, Nelson Mandela. “These moments will remain etched in my memory forever. This was how this country gained global recognition. It was more than just rugby,” he recalls.

A few days before the final, the referees and jury members were invited to breakfast in Pretoria. Michel Lamoli meets Madiba there. “I learned about his life, and we were able to visit the prison where he was held.” Then it was time to shake his hand. “I didn’t know what to do,” he smiled. I had François de Closé’s book in my hands, so I asked him to sign it. » A relic that the former supervisor had ended up putting in He replaced it. “I lent it to my brother, and then I couldn’t get it back,” he admits with a tinge of bitterness.

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Although he participated in the other four World Cups as a supervisor and selector of referees, the 1995 edition had a unique flavor for the now 83-year-old Montua. The match between Ivory Coast and Tonga, in which Biscarros player Max Brito was left quadriplegic after a tackle, holds a special place in his mind. “For the first time, I had a voice link with the referee.” Originally from the United States and a pastor, the referee shouted “God help me” several times during the match. The former supervisor confirms: “I was surprised because referees have three basics to respect: knowledge of the game, know-how, and skills.” Dealing with others, and this was not one of them.”

During this World Cup, a person named Jonah Lomu rose to prominence in the eyes of the general public. The All Blacks star is not yet one, but XV de la Rose is discovering the power and speed of the future New Zealand legend. Michele Lamoli too. “He scored four tries during the match. He put the English on their backs (sic) throughout the match.”

black wire

A red, or rather black, thread seemed to emerge from his most striking memories. “In 1999, at Twickenham, we were able to beat New Zealand, opening the doors to the final. That was fun.” And that’s even when the result wasn’t there. “In 2011, in New Zealand, you could sense a certain arrogance from the New Zealand spectators and journalists with The final match is approaching. Throughout the game, their fear meter was at zero. You can’t imagine the pleasure this gave me. Even if I was angry at the end of the match (8-7 defeat by France, editor’s note). »

With the opening match of the 2023 World Cup between France and New Zealand looming, he wants to be cautious about the outcome of the competition. “I’m taking it easy. I’m afraid we’re going to face a team that’s hurt but full of pride. Everyone declares the French XV the favourite, but we mustn’t forget the Irish and the South Africans.” For him, the recent injuries in the team are not a problem. “We have a generation of exceptional players, The coaching staff uses them very well. I’m not worried about this. » The first result, Friday, September 8, from 9 p.m