Howlett Recalls Stade Velodrome Showdowns

As Munster prepare to do battle in previously uncharted waters, Munster legend Doug Howlett remembers his experiences in the Stade Velodrome as an All Black.

We began by looking at Doug’s most outstanding memories of playing in Marseille…

“One of my first experiences as an All Black was playing France in the Stade Velodrome in 2000. As a young guy coming from New Zealand into Europe it was indeed an eye opener. During the captains run I was immediately taken by the size of the stadium, and also with it being a soccer ground, parts of the stadium were caged for the separation of soccer fans. The sight of these cages combined with the passion of home fans on match night made it a very hostile environment for us. We came to play France in a two match series that season and had beaten them in Paris the week previous. However what we came down to in Marseille was a different team and atmosphere, a French team full of emotion, and a French team who defeated us that night in the Stade Velodrome.
The fact that you play on what’s primarily a soccer field means that the crowd are much closer to the pitch itself, so it’s literally a sea of people when you run out from the tunnel and look into the crowd. This will be a welcome relief to the Munster players, when they scan the field in this intimidating arena, to see up close the thousands of Munster supporters who have travelled to support them”

Doug went on to speak about the intense rugby culture found in the south of France…

“I had been in intimidating atmospheres before, having travelled to South Africa a lot with Super teams, but the Stade Velodrome was different. Drums were beating, the crowd were singing and flares were going off in the stand, like what you’d see in soccer stadia around the world. It was impressive to see, the only problem being, they were all shouting for France. That said it was a unique experience and one which I remember fondly.”

Doug returned to the Stade Velodrome for the 2007 Rugby World Cup scoring three tries in an All Blacks defeat of Italy and on the night equalling Christian Cullen’s All Black try scoring record of 46. (Doug went on to beat that record later in the tournament against Scotland at Murrayfield)…

"Getting closer to the record people in the media did remind me, so I was aware of it going into the game, but that said nothing changed, I wasn’t looking harder for a try, it sort of just popped up and I guess from my first memory of the Stade Velodrome and losing to France through to my last which would have been equalling Christian’s try record, I have fond memories of the place."

Doug’s thoughts on what he expects will happen this weekend…

“I guess the environment and what’s at stake this weekend in particular will no doubt produce a big performance. Munster have had some great days out in the south of France and we hope this will be another one. That said, it’s going to take some doing. This is not a typical French team, it’s full of Kiwis, Australians, South Africans, French and more. One thing’s for certain, they will not roll over and will require some beating”

Thoughts on the city of Marseille as a place to visit…

“We were based in Marseille during the 2007 World Cup, so we got to know the city reasonably well. As with most cities in the south of France, it’s got a beautiful scenic backdrop, with plenty nice vistas overlooking the water. It’s a busy old port town with a lot of character and a lot going on. I think all of those travelling from Munster to Marseille are in for a treat and the fact the locals really know their rugby can only add to what will be an already brilliant atmosphere.”