KEY POINTS:
It would have been no clearer in his mind than if it happened last week.
What is the one special image lodged in Olivier Magne's mind of that astonishing day at Twickenham eight years ago when France stunned the All Blacks, coming from 24-10 down 35 minutes from
the end to win their World Cup semifinal 43-31?
"My biggest memory is to have seen the All Blacks put their heads down," he said.
"It was a big sign for us, that we had a chance to beat them. It was the first time I've seen the All Blacks like that."
Chances are the great flanker won't see it at Eden Park tonight. It will be his 89th test, the most caps won by a flanker, putting him fourth overall behind Philippe Sella (111), Fabien Pelous (110) and Serge Blanco (93).
That's decent company, and if he can persuade coach Bernard Laporte that he should be in the World Cup squad to be finalised this month, he could give the century a nudge. That would be a perfect full stop to a fine career now in its 11th year.
Magne says his form since joining London Irish has been good.
"It was very interesting for me to change. I had played 13 years in the French championship but the last two years have been good. Like fresh air for me, and it was important to have a change. I think I can bring a lot of things to the French team."
Magne is sure he can stop the clock and be a forceful presence against the strongest opponents.
"I am still in shape. I am like a junior, a young player. This goal [the World Cup] is a massive motivation for me."
In his prime, Magne was a lean, hungry operator, blending pace, aggression and fine ball skills with a ruthless edge which made him a terrific No 7.
The question in Laporte's mind will be whether he should trust in younger men or find a place in the mix for an old head who has doubtless forgotten more tricks than most openside flankers have learned.
One thing is clear: Magne, whose last test was against Wales 15 months ago, is relishing getting another chance, and knows it might be his last opportunity to advance his case.
Magne will square off against the man now regarded as the game's finest flanker, Richie McCaw. They've clashed before but Magne doesn't think of tonight in personal terms.
"I am not focused on Richie McCaw. I am focused on myself, on what I have to do, on what I can do to help my team play better."
Magne says people are talking about the World Cup. Walk down the street back home and the buzz is starting. It's got some bubbling still to do, so how will the French handle the gathering storm of emotion for September-October? They have a couple of months' preparation ahead, then a series of friendlies against England (friendlies? England?) and Wales.
"Then the pressure on the players can be [handled] better. Pressure can be positive. With many people behind you, you can do a lot of big things."
Quite so, and everyone talks of France winning football's World Cup on a night of unbridled joy in Paris nine years ago and wouldn't it be brilliant to repeat that. For now, though, the All Blacks wait. Magne reckons a win here or next weekend in Wellington will be "one of the most difficult tasks. If we win, maybe it will be better than 1999."
You know what he means, but they won't. And anyway, deep down, that day at Twickers, with All Black heads sagging, will take some beating.
Olivier Magne
Age: 34
Height: 1.88m
Weight: 95kg
Tests: 88
First cap: v Wales, February 1997
Tries: 14
Club: London Irish
Nickname: Charly