Backed into a corner, Mathieu Bastareaud finally admitted he lied about being attacked in Wellington. Many of you will be asking: when will the French learn?
New Zealand is a small community. Our Police do not operate like the Pink Panther; no one should ever underestimate how seriously we take our reputation.
Maybe it is because Mathieu Bastareaud was not born when some of his compatriots blew up the Rainbow Warrior, but he has carried on a tradition of severely underestimating our thorough policing skills. The French crack agents got caught, but not before they had enjoyed a Gallic serving of wine, women and song.
It’s what we love about the French. Their insouciance, their devil may care attitude, their First Lady. 
We hear that young Mathieu, who claims to be suffering from depression as a result of his mis-speak is now holidaying in the Caribbean. Things get tough – take a holiday. Remember that was also the solution for the agents.
They say history never repeats.
Incidentally, Morning Report’s, Sean Plunket was one of the very few media who earlier in the week questioned the authenticity of the claim. At the time the police response should have given the French rugby administrators a clue to what we now know.
Viva La France? On this occasion may be not.
