Ex-All Blacks scrum-half Brad Weber has been mightily impressed by the Top 14 since arriving at Stade Francais.
The 32-year-old ended his international career following the Rugby World Cup to take up a financially lucrative contract in the French capital.
Weber made his debut off the bench against Lyon in mid-November and has started the past two matches, with the latest coming on Sunday.
They faced Toulouse in a huge clash and the half-back impressed as they claimed a superb 27-12 triumph against Les Rouge et Noir.
Atmosphere
He was taken aback by the passion of the support as the Stade fans roared the team to a huge win that sees them reside just two points off Paris rivals Racing 92 at the top of the table.
“That was some experience. French know how to entertain. Kiwi’s could earn a thing or two from people here, outstanding atmosphere,” Weber wrote on X, formerly Twitter, after the encounter.
Several responded to his comment on the social media platform, with one using the population differential as a caveat.
“There’s 5 million kiwis and 67 million French, plus country’s around easily and quickly accessible,” Paul Howat wrote.
“The problem with New Zealand sport is that no one wants to go to a stadium. Pay $50 for a ticket . $10 for a small drink and $15 for a s****y burger. Plus parking/transport.”
Although Weber took the points on board, the scrum-half feels the sheer passion of the supporters makes a massive difference.
“Yeah totally get that. Especially down south of France they’re mad for it,” he added.
“And agree that something needs to be done re match day experience. Cost and quality of food/drinks certainly important. I was probably more getting at the atmosphere itself, singing, chanting non stop…”
Thoughts on New Zealand overall
One person wasn’t happy with Weber’s view, accusing the 32-year-old of constantly ‘s****ing’ on New Zealand since he left the country.
They pointed to a recent Newshub interview where Weber raised concerns over the game in the country, but the Stade scrum-half stood by his views.
“Did you read/watch the rest of that interview? Yes, I said that due to our NZ U20s having not won the world champs since 2017 and our participation rates in rugby declining that we should be concerned,” he wrote.
“What I also said in that interview though was… That I would never bet against NZ Rugby and the ABs; that I think we have the right people in the right places to lead us through a tough period. And we’ve got the talent.
“So don’t always get sucked in to the sensationalised headline.”
READ MORE: WATCH: Breakout Rugby World Cup star scores bizarre Top 14 try following comical mix-up
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