While the gulf between Ireland and Australia in rugby's world rankings may not necessarily reflect reality, it's a stark reminder of how quickly the game has changed in either country.Tonight's contest at the Aviva Stadium sees first play eighth according to the rolling rankings.
It's not so long ago that those roles would have been reversed.Twenty years ago, the Wallabies played their part in a watershed day for the Irish team, beaten 18-9 by Eddie O'Sullivan's side in a tryless slog at Lansdowne Road.Australia had come to town as world champions, coached by Eddie Jones, and boasting the likes of Matt Burke, Stephen Larkham, George Gregan and George Smith in their side.
One year earlier they had beaten the Lions, one yeat later they would be back in a World Cup final.Ireland, meanwhile were only fresh off the back of securing their place at the 2003 World Cup Down Under, having had to go through a qualifying tournament against Georgia and Russia due to their dismal showing in 1999.Back then, going deep into a World Cup was far down on the list of priorities for Ireland, who had gone 23 years without a win against any of the southern hemisphere's 'Big Three'.It was a coming-of-age day for Ireland; Ronan O'Gara kicking six penalties out of six in a biting wind, and a 23-year-old Brian O'Driscoll standing in as captain of Ireland for the very first time in place of Keith Wood."I spoke to Keith [Wood] after the game and he was delighted and at least we have buried that tag of nearly-men," O'Driscoll said at the time."We nearly beat New Zealand this summer and South Africa two years ago but this will give us a lot of confidence and self-belief."It wasn't a declining Australia team either.