France's Jean-Luc Sadourny takes on the Ireland defence at Kings Park in Durban on this day in 1995 © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Thierry Lacroix | Luke McAlister | Emile Ntamack | Brian O'Driscoll

1995
Twenty-six points from the boot of Thierry Lacroix helped France to a 36-12 quarter-final win over Ireland in the World Cup in Durban, South Africa. Philippe Saint-Andre and Emile Ntamack scored France's tries and Eric Elwood kicked four penalty goals for Ireland. Pierre Berbizier, France's coach, was almost apologetic: "We are capable of playing champagne rugby, but we are still trying to get the cork out," he said. Lacroix finished the tournament as the highest points scorer with 112.

2006
Brian O'Driscoll, led by example, when he scored an inspired try for Ireland against the All Blacks in Hamilton. New Zealand, however, ran out 34-23 winners after the reigning Triple Crown holders made the Tri Nations champions work every inch for victory. The tourists led 16-8 at half-time and were leading with nine minutes to go until two late penalties from Luke McAlister and a late try from replacement Troy Flavell settled matters.

1950
New Zealand won 8-0 in the Second Test against the Lions in Christchurch to go one up in the series, the first Test having been drawn 9-9. Roy Roper and Pat Crowley scored the tries for the hosts in a drab affair.

1980
The Lions scheduled tour match with Zimbabwe was cancelled and replaced with a game against Eastern Transvaal in Springs. The tourists won 21-15 - Ollie Campbell kicked 17 points and John Carleton scored a try - but the match was marred by a referee who was not up to the task. The Times noted he often "changed his mind under pressure. "I would prefer not to comment on the referee," Syd Miller, the Lions manager, said afterwards. The day got worse when the team was refused admission to the post-match tea.

1989
Finlay Calder's Lions, the first since 1899 to make a tour of Australia without visiting New Zealand, opened their 12-match visit with a 44-0 win in Perth against Western Australia.

2001
Wing Shane Williams equalled the Welsh record for most tries in a Test, crossing four times against Japan in Osaka. Gavin Henson was among seven new caps as Wales won the opening Test of their tour, 64-10.