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It would be interesting to explore what makes rugby players a virtuoso type as opposed to a conservative player. For religious types it may be a gift from God, a free-spirited blessing that anchors the masses. We can all count out-of-this-world players whose games seem to come to mind with ease. David Campese, Christian Cullen, Mark Ella and Carlos Spencer come to mind. But the greatest of them all is the Venezuelan-born Frenchman, nicknamed ‘rugby’s Pele’ by French fans.
Serge Blanco was an attacking genius, extremely dangerous to opposing defences, and revered in rugby circles for his majestic style. The French have labeled him their favorite player and many consider him the most attacking full-back in rugby union history. Cullen fans may question that.
Blanco has a long, gliding stride that covers more ground with each stride and gives the appearance of comfortable speed. He may not be known for making bone-crushing tackles in defence, but it brings up the age-old debate about who is more valuable: defensive players who save points or attacking players who create scoring opportunities.
In keeping with the French approach, Blanco introduced a modern attacking approach to their full-back play, representing their talent and creativity. Wales full-back JPR Williams may have been a more complete player, but he would not have been able to score Serge Blanco’s stunning try.
A shining example of Blanco’s scoring ability was against Australia in 1990, when he sprinted from his own goal line and beat defenders, including Campese, with a brave dummy for a touchdown at the other end of the field. Campo and Blanco likely destroyed runners together because they shared similar offensive philosophies.
This explanation is espnscrum.com “He could also, like many great players, be seen as incredibly inconsistent. Although the game seemed to come too easily to him, his nonchalance and cool demeanor sometimes led to long periods of anonymity while playing. These inconsistencies can be forgiven in a very talented player, and despite his calm exterior, Blanco was a very dedicated man.”
Serge Blanco was born in Caracas, Venezuela in 1958 and moved to Biarritz, France as a child. He was a one-club man at Biarritz, where loyalty prevailed in the amateur era compared to the money-driven nature of today’s professionalism. The best players go to rich clubs, not stick with them from a young age.
In 2007, he said these profound words: planet rugby Regarding Super 14, which is still in effect today, he said, “Super 14 is not fun to watch,” and “It eliminates the identity of this region. meNo emotions at all. A prefabricated laboratory for testing players. The basis of all sports is that each club and province has its own culture. It’s fun to play and looks nice, but there’s no atmosphere. No one seems scared, and no one seems too happy to win.”
Blanco said, “Rare things are beautiful. Everyone is tired today. “No scarcity, no variety, no freedom.”
Feeling part of a club is more important than money. I believe Blanco would not have been satisfied with the professional era of robotic coaching, strict diet and regulations, social media attention and little enjoyment outside of rugby. He makes another related point. “The IRB needs to get around the table with everyone and discuss having a rugby season. and defines the general schedule of international matches. IRBs need to start looking at the specifics of each country.”
It is no surprise that Serge Blanco came out of retirement to become president of Biarritz Olympique and leader of Ligue Nationale de Rugby, the French professional league.
Roar editor Christy Doran traveled to Seattle with VisitSeattle.org to explore the city’s electric sports atmosphere, outdoor adventures and renowned food scene. Click here to see his latest adventures in the Emerald City.
Google “Serge Blanco” and you’ll be surprised at the number of fashion posts under the Blanco brand with very little interest in rugby. So he was a successful man after rugby. A heart attack in 2009 did not hinder his progress.
Serge Blanco will always be remembered by Australians for his match-winning try against Australia at the 1987 Rugby World Cup, and the question will always be asked. Were there any knock-ons in building that attempt? I believe it was a fair attempt.
Blanco’s national try against Philippe Saint-Andre when he jumped from his own goal line against England in 1991 can be compared to Campese’s similar try against the British Lions in 1989. Arguably, this is deeply ingrained in the French way. Such a risky operation was attempted, but the Australians did not have the skill, courage or aptitude to pull it off. They didn’t realize it was on.
Charismatic and bold full-back Blanco was a counter-attacking weapon that can be summed up in French as majestueux!