The Six Nations match between France and Ireland was postponed just before kick-off at the Stade de France on Saturday because of concerns over the safety of the pitch, leaving a capacity crowd fuming.
English referee Dave Pearson had passed it fit 90 minutes before kick off, but temperatures of -5 degrees Celsius, with a wind chill of -11C, had made it rock hard by the time the teams were preparing to come out.
Boos rang out around the packed stadium as it dawned on the 70,000-plus spectators that the match had been called off.
Both teams came out on to the pitch to vainly salute the furious spectators, including thousands of Irish fans who'd made the long trip over.
"It's a real shame for you all but unfortunately the match has had to be cancelled," said French captain Thierry Dusautoir.
"I hope you will all come and support us next time. The decision has been taken, and now we will prepare for the next time."
France coach Philippe Saint-Andre added: "We would have preferred to play.
"The changing room was electric, the players were really ready to play but you have to respect the referee's decision, it's he who is in charge of players' safety."
The match is now slated to be played either next weekend, a planned Six Nations rest when the Stade de France is in use on Saturday for a Top 14 match between Stade Francais and Toulon, or the weekend of March 3-4.
If the teams do play on March 3-4, it would mean them having to play on four consecutive weekends.
It is first time since 1985 that a Five Nations/Six Nations match has been called off because of the weather.
And the 2001 tournament saw three Ireland matches postponed until September and October of that year because of an epidemic of foot-and-mouth disease.
"The pitch was unsafe. The referee had to take the decision and it was tough for one man to do it," Ireland coach Declan Kidney told the BBC.
"In fairness it was the right decision. The players were pumped up but it will be a new experience for them.
"The game will be rearranged - next week might be a bit tight, but it's up to the Six Nations to decide. We will have to talk about it. I wouldn't like to guess."