Northern Edition

Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

Fred Michalak: ‘In New Zealand, they called me “forward pass”’

France's fly-half Frederic Michalak (R) runs with the ball followed by New Zealand's winger Joe Rokocoko (L) and New Zealand's fly-half Nick Evans (2dL) during the rugby union World Cup quarter-final match New Zealand vs. France, 06 October 2007 at the Millennium stadium in Cardiff. France defeated New Zealand 20-18. AFP PHOTO / WILLIAM WEST (Photo credit should read WILLIAM WEST/AFP via Getty Images)

Some memories last a lifetime, and the Rugby World Cup 2007 quarter-final against New Zealand in Cardiff is one of those. “I remember exactly where I was when I watched that match,” says Mathieu Bastareaud on BastaShow.

ADVERTISEMENT

To open the third season of the program, which can be seen exclusively on RugbyPass TV, the former international French centre invited his friend Frédéric Michalak (42) – who won 77 caps as a fly-half for the French national team and has since become assistant coach at Racing 92 – to reflect on the latest in rugby and share memories.

Inevitably, in this nearly 50-minute interview, the conversation shifts to Rugby World Cup 2007 – Michalak’s second, after Australia in 2003 – and the legendary showdown in Cardiff against the All Blacks. The match remains iconic from start to finish, from the response to the haka to the 18-20 comeback victory after Les Bleus trailed 13-3 at halftime. That unforgettable day was October 6, 2007.

“I often get shivers when I meet French fans and they come up to me to talk about that 2007 match,” says the player. “They tell me, ‘When you faced the All Blacks, you were all in blue-white-red, all standing just one meter apart.’

“I don’t really remember who decided to wear the blue-white-red and move forward. But we were all united on that. We had to create a surprise, and we had to show that we, France, were moving forward.

“There was a wider message than just rugby, and that gave us a real boost. When you look at the World Cup as a whole, we didn’t really perform, except for that match.”

Damien Traille’s pass

There was another moment that left a lasting impression on generations of rugby fans worldwide—a small but crucial moment that led to Les Bleus’ second try, marking their comeback.

ADVERTISEMENT

It was the 68th minute of the game. France was trailing 18-13, and Michalak had just came onto the field alongside Christophe Dominici.

Following a scrum, Damien Traille was first tackled by centre Luke McAlister, then by Richie McCaw, who brought him to the ground. Despite this, Traille managed to free the ball and pass it to Michalak, who was there for support. A few meters later, Michalak was tackled by Nick Evans, forcing him to pass to Jauzion, who then scored.

ADVERTISEMENT

The try was validated by referee Wayne Barnes, but the slow-motion footage shown in the stadium suggested that Traille had delivered a forward pass to Michalak. Seventeen years and one month later, the mystery remains unresolved.

“After the World Cup, I went to South Africa to play for the Sharks,” recalls Michalak. “And when we went on tour, we played against the Auckland Blues and others. When I set foot in New Zealand, everyone called me ‘Forward pass’. Imagine how that affected them!”

A matter of angle 

Looking back, Michalak has his own take on the action: “Damien Traille makes a pass. He’s moving forward, but he’s tackled. And when he’s tackled, you can see the ball move slightly forward. Depending on the camera angle, you might think it’s a forward pass. But it all depends on the angle of the camera.”

“Kind of like Etzebeth’s attempted interception,” notes Bastareaud, referencing the 2023 World Cup quarter-final between France and South Africa.

“For Joe Rokocoko (who was starting on the wing that day, editor’s note), he thinks it was forward. As for me, there’s no forward pass,” laughs Fred Michalak.

The magic kick to Vincent Clerc

Another moment from the Rugby World Cup 2007 that has gone down in history is the kick from the outside of Fred Michalak’s foot to Vincent Clerc against Ireland, a move that many assumed was the result of careful practice. However, the former fly-half dispels the myth: “It was pure inspiration,” says Fred Michalak on BastaShow.

“Above all, I think Vincent and I had a good understanding from our time playing together at the club. Those club connections can sometimes make those moments possible.

“At the time, I noticed their winger was defending inside Ronan O’Gara. I think their strategy was for their back row to cover behind the ‘third curtain’. But he got a bit too carried away, pushing too hard in the scrum. With Vincent, it was all about making the beautiful play.”

Watch the highly acclaimed five-part documentary Chasing the Sun 2, chronicling the journey of the Springboks as they strive to successfully defend the Rugby World Cup, free on RugbyPass TV (*unavailable in Africa)

ADVERTISEMENT

Boks Office | Episode 39 | The Investec Champions Cup is back

Argentina v France | HSBC SVNS Hong Kong 2025 | Men's Match Highlights

New Zealand v Australia | HSBC SVNS Hong Kong 2025 | Women's Match Highlights

Tokyo Sungoliath vs Shizuoka BlueRevs | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 | Full Match Replay

Reds vs Force | Super Rugby W 2025 | Full Match Replay

The Rise of Kenya | The Report

New Zealand in Hong Kong | Brady Rush | Sevens Wonders | Episode 4

The Fixture: How This Rugby Rivalry Has Lasted 59 Years

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

2 Comments
B
Budhachief 146 days ago

That forward pass was clearly about 2mtrs forward. Everyone on the field stopped it was so blatant.

J
JW 146 days ago

Ah! It's lovely that forwardpass now staunchly defends the country he vanquished... in RP comments sections.

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

T
THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT 1 hour ago
English rugby pundits and fans really need to get a grip

RECOVER YOUR STOLEN BITCOIN / USDT OR MONEY LOST TO SCAMMERSThis is to notify anyone looking to reclaim his\her bitcoin lost to   scammers. For a successful recovery procedure, I advise you to get in touch with THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT. They are the best in recovery of lost funds. They have a background in cybersecurity and have obtained licenses and certifications that have equipped them with the necessary skills to recover lost funds. Everyone should be careful and stop being deceived by all these online scammers? I lost about $985,000 to these online scammersThis made me very unhappy and upset. I had no idea what to do. A friend recommended me to a recovery expert called THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT. After a few hours of working with them, I was shocked to learn that they had recovered all of my stolen  bitcoin in just 48 hours. I said that I will not hold this to myself but share it to the public so that all scammed victims can get their funds back. I advise everyone seeking to recover their lost bitcoin wallet, any online scam. Reach out to THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT. I am so happy to get my funds back and to share the good news to whom it may concern. I can't keep but share this information particularly to anyone else in a similar situation who wants to recover lost assets. Contact inform:  WhatsApp +1(520)200-2320 ) or shoot them an Email at (support@thehackangels.com) They also have a great Website at (www.thehackangels.com

6 Go to comments
T
THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT 1 hour ago
Duhan van der Merwe's Lions tour thrown into doubt

RECOVER YOUR STOLEN BITCOIN / USDT OR MONEY LOST TO SCAMMERSThis is to notify anyone looking to reclaim his\her bitcoin lost to   scammers. For a successful recovery procedure, I advise you to get in touch with THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT. They are the best in recovery of lost funds. They have a background in cybersecurity and have obtained licenses and certifications that have equipped them with the necessary skills to recover lost funds. Everyone should be careful and stop being deceived by all these online scammers? I lost about $985,000 to these online scammersThis made me very unhappy and upset. I had no idea what to do. A friend recommended me to a recovery expert called THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT. After a few hours of working with them, I was shocked to learn that they had recovered all of my stolen  bitcoin in just 48 hours. I said that I will not hold this to myself but share it to the public so that all scammed victims can get their funds back. I advise everyone seeking to recover their lost bitcoin wallet, any online scam. Reach out to THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT. I am so happy to get my funds back and to share the good news to whom it may concern. I can't keep but share this information particularly to anyone else in a similar situation who wants to recover lost assets. Contact inform:  WhatsApp +1(520)200-2320 ) or shoot them an Email at (support@thehackangels.com) They also have a great Website at (www.thehackangels.com

1 Go to comments
T
THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT 1 hour ago
Bath Rugby turnover breaks £20m but losses increase

RECOVER YOUR STOLEN BITCOIN / USDT OR MONEY LOST TO SCAMMERSThis is to notify anyone looking to reclaim his\her bitcoin lost to   scammers. For a successful recovery procedure, I advise you to get in touch with THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT. They are the best in recovery of lost funds. They have a background in cybersecurity and have obtained licenses and certifications that have equipped them with the necessary skills to recover lost funds. Everyone should be careful and stop being deceived by all these online scammers? I lost about $985,000 to these online scammersThis made me very unhappy and upset. I had no idea what to do. A friend recommended me to a recovery expert called THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT. After a few hours of working with them, I was shocked to learn that they had recovered all of my stolen  bitcoin in just 48 hours. I said that I will not hold this to myself but share it to the public so that all scammed victims can get their funds back. I advise everyone seeking to recover their lost bitcoin wallet, any online scam. Reach out to THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT. I am so happy to get my funds back and to share the good news to whom it may concern. I can't keep but share this information particularly to anyone else in a similar situation who wants to recover lost assets. Contact inform:  WhatsApp +1(520)200-2320 ) or shoot them an Email at (support@thehackangels.com) They also have a great Website at (www.thehackangels.com

0 Go to comments
T
THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT 1 hour ago
Exeter Chiefs close to revealing new attack and backs coach

RECOVER YOUR STOLEN BITCOIN / USDT OR MONEY LOST TO SCAMMERSThis is to notify anyone looking to reclaim his\her bitcoin lost to   scammers. For a successful recovery procedure, I advise you to get in touch with THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT. They are the best in recovery of lost funds. They have a background in cybersecurity and have obtained licenses and certifications that have equipped them with the necessary skills to recover lost funds. Everyone should be careful and stop being deceived by all these online scammers? I lost about $985,000 to these online scammersThis made me very unhappy and upset. I had no idea what to do. A friend recommended me to a recovery expert called THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT. After a few hours of working with them, I was shocked to learn that they had recovered all of my stolen  bitcoin in just 48 hours. I said that I will not hold this to myself but share it to the public so that all scammed victims can get their funds back. I advise everyone seeking to recover their lost bitcoin wallet, any online scam. Reach out to THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT. I am so happy to get my funds back and to share the good news to whom it may concern. I can't keep but share this information particularly to anyone else in a similar situation who wants to recover lost assets. Contact inform:  WhatsApp +1(520)200-2320 ) or shoot them an Email at (support@thehackangels.com) They also have a great Website at (www.thehackangels.com

0 Go to comments
H
HarunParisha 2 hours ago
Waratahs confirm brutal news for Wallabies star Max Jorgensen

It's a fact: Reddit has always been, is, and will be my source for crypto discussions, security tips, and market trends. Little did I know it would be the same site that helped save me from financial ruin. Some months ago, an AMA thread about Trust Geeks Hack Expert showed up. People asked them anything: from lost wallet recoveries to phishing scams; their answers sounded really detailed, transparent, and full of insight. At the time, I didn't know that their help was near. It all started with what I thought was a routine software update. I had received an e-mail from what looked like a trusted exchange, telling me to install an important patch. The email looked *legit—*matching the branding, formatting, and even the usual tone of messages I had received before. Without a second thought, I downloaded the update and installed it. Biggest mistake of my life. It froze within minutes, and then it automatically restarted. My crypto wallet was empty when I regained access. $200,000-gone. At first, I thought it was some kind of glitch, but as I dug deeper, the cold reality hit me hard: I had been hacked. The "update" was a form of malware designed to drain wallets by injecting malicious code. Panic set in, but rather than spiral, I remembered the Trust Geeks Hack Expert AMA. Their confidence in handling cases like mine had stood out to me. I rushed back to the thread, found their contact details Website https://trustgeekshackexpert.com/-- Email: trustgeekshackexpert{@}fastservice{.}com, and reached out immediately. Their response was prompt and very reassuring. They asked for every little detail I could remember-from the time of the installation of the fake update to the exact nature of the transactions I had done prior to this. They got to work, tracing the movement of my stolen funds using some advanced blockchain forensics.

Days went by, and I had my doubts, but they kept me updated. Then came a message that I was praying for; they had recovered my $200,000. It sounded like a dream come true. All stress, regret, and anger vanished at that moment. Trust Geeks Hack Expert saved not only my funds but also taught me a lesson which will never be forgotten: never trust email links. Now, I double-check every update; use cold storage for large amounts; don't click on anything that's remotely suspicious. If not for that Reddit AMA, I would have never found the only team skilled enough to turn my disaster into a comeback story.

0 Go to comments
TRENDING
TRENDING Surprise position switch for Sevu Reece as Crusaders prepare for Drua Surprise position switch for Sevu Reece
Search