Depardieu turns into Shrek
Depardieu turns into Shrek
By Jim Morton
July 01, 2007
AMAZING things must happen for Australia to beat the All Blacks. Even crazier things happen after they do.
In the Wallabies team hotel after last night's stunning 20-15 Tri-Nations upset, Gerard Depardieu turned into Shrek.
Australia attack coach Scott Johnson, who could easily be French actor Depardieu's body double, shaved off his signature long grey locks to honour a bet marking the occasion.
His new look has prompted a new nickname among the Wallabies . . . Shrek, Mike Myers's green, bald ogre with the wonky ears.
"I think that's a bit harsh but usually those blokes that make up those nicknames don't have mirrors in their homes," Johnson said.
"I'm just lucky that I'm blessed with a nice head."
It was the eccentric former Wales coach's first short haircut in 20 years and raised a couple of thousand dollars for charity.
Metrosexual full back Julian Huxley performed the deed with the clippers at Australia's post-match function.
"We've haven't beaten New Zealand in a long time (three years) and I haven't coached a team that's beaten New Zealand, we've gone close a few times," he said.
"I just put it to them (during preparations), if you win I'll cut my hair because it's always been a point of banter.
"That was the reality and we all threw $50 in and gave it to charity."
Agence France-Presse
