ON AN OTHERWISE humdrum Tuesday night in 2001, Ravenhill hosted an uncapped ‘A’ international that managed to introduce a host of stars to World Rugby.

Jonathan Davies (@JPDavis89) was there that night to watch a masterclass from Kiwi fullback Ben Blair, scoring the majority of New Zealand’s points in a 43 – 30 win. Today, he tweeted this glorious image of the match programme to fuel our nostalgia.

Source: @JPDavis89)

IRELAND A: Gavin Duffy; Anthony Horgan, Jason Holland, Justin Bishop, James Topping; Paddy Wallace, Brian O’Meara: Reggie Corrigan, Shane Byrne, Simon Best; Leo Cullen, Mick O’Driscoll; Alan Quinlan, Keith Gleeson, Tony McWhirter.

Replacements: Paul Shields, Justin Fitzpatrick, Paul O’Connell, Andy Ward, Ben Willis, Mark McHugh, Peter McKenna.

New Zealand XV: Ben Blair; Roger Randle, Nathan Mauger, Caleb Ralph, Pita Alatini; David Hill, Mark Robinson: David Hewett, Tom Willis, Kees Meeuws, Dion Waller, Simon Maling; Jerry Collins, Marty Holah, Paul Miller.

Replacements: Anton Oliver, Greg Feek, Chris Jack, Richie McCaw, Byron Kelleher, Andrew Mehrtens, Jonah Lomu.

Notably a 21-year-old Paul O’Connell sat on the bench for Ireland, still dreaming of winning his first Test cap (of at least 100) later the same season.

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