September 19 down the years
Berbizier pays price for 'boring' France
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Pierre Berbizier gestures during a press conference,  Marseille, September 10, 2007 i
Pierre Berbizier paid for a lack of flair © Getty Images
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1996
French coach Pierre Berbizier resigned before he could be sacked after he was accused of forging a "boring" side by former president Albert Ferrasse, who added the side had "lost any panache". Berbizier blotted his copybook by siding with the players in a row over cash, and although France came third in the 1995 Rugby World Cup, his record of 25 wins from 38 matches was not enough to save him. He was replaced by Jean Claude Skrela who was given a clear brief - revert to champagne rugby in a country where style was as important as winning.

1998
The New Zealand Rugby Union confirmed that John Hart would continue as All Blacks coach through to the 1999 Rugby World Cup. Hart led New Zealand to the 1999 Tri-Nations title but his World Cup dreams were ended on a famous night in Twickenham as France carved his side apart in a wonderful second half as they ran out 43-31 winners and he resigned soon after.

1953
South Africa rebounded from defeat in Cape Town with an 18-8 win over Australia in Durban. Having made sweeping changes to the team, the Springboks would go on to claim the series with a 22-9 victory at Port Elizabeth a week later.

1959
The British and Irish Lions secured their first win over New Zealand since 1930 with a 9-6 victory in front of 60,000 spectators in the final Test at Auckland. The tourists scored three tries to none with Tony O'Reilly, Bev Risman and Peter Jackson crossing the line as Don Clarke knocked two penalties over for the All Blacks.

2007
Italy beat Portugal 31-5 at the Parc de Princes, giving their best display in the 2007 Rugby World Cup. Coached by former finalist Pierre Berbizier, the Azzurri were far from perfect and failed to secure a bonus point as Andrea Masi scored two tries and Mauro Bergamasco added the other.

1981
The Springboks played their first official match on American soil beating a Midwest selection 46-12 at Wisconsin.

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