What are your best memories of winning at Twickenham in 1994?
We had not won at Twickenham since 1982 but went into the Five Nations in 1994 with some confidence, with the hope of winning the Triple Crown. We had gone 10 games without a win in the competition before beating Wales away and England at home in 1993.
Maurice Field, the centre, made his debut against England in 1994. We had the forwards to stop them so it depended on how we handled their backs. Our backline rarely saw much ball but Simon Geoghegan’s try sticks out. Simon was buzzing all the time, always looking to make ground. England had a 5m scrum near the end. Their No 8, Steve Ojomoh, was going to pick and drive for the line. As he drove I came off the side of the scrum and slipped. All I could do was grab his boot. I pulled his laces as hard as I could and he fell six inches from the line. It will always stick in my head as if he scored England would’ve won. We held on to win, 13-12.
A fortnight beforehand we lost 17-15 against Wales with Eric Elwood hitting the upright with a late penalty to win it. We drew the last game, 6-6 against Scotland.
What was the worst moment of your career?
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My second cap was against England, also at Twickenham, in 1988. You didn’t go in at half-time in those days; instead we huddled up 3-0 in front and thinking we were in with a chance. At half-time, Hugo McNeill, our full-back, left the field to get a cut stitched. Nobody noticed and there were no blood replacements then. So at the start of the second half, I was on the wing trying to chase Rory Underwood. While a man down Chris Oti scored his first try and we fell apart. Oti scored a hat-trick and we lost 35-3.
And the best?
Beating England in 1993 and 1994 is up there, captaining the Ireland sevens teams in two World Cups and making the semi-final in 1993 and almost beating Australia. However, representing Ireland at the 1995 World Cup in South Africa was amazing. I played against New Zealand, when Jonah Lomu was set upon the world, and against Wales and France.
Was Lomu the best you've ever seen?
Ray Southam, a former director of rugby, had been working in New Zealand and he had got his hands on a video of the All Blacks’ last trial. We watched the video and not many had seen Lomu before that, although I had seen him the year before at the Hong Kong Sevens. You didn’t know how strong he was until you tackled him. We all bounced off him. Because we were first up in the 1995 World Cup, people dismissed it as it was only Ireland. However, he ran over everybody. I don’t know if he was the best but he made the biggest impact.
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Who was the best?
There are two, France’s Serge Blanco and Laurent Cabannes. Blanco, in terms of talent and flair, was a class apart. He was gifted, really electric with a long stride. Every time he got the ball you knew something was going to happen. Cabannes, a flanker, would pop up anywhere. While I was in the ruck trying to recycle possession he’d be running around with the centres and the wings.
What was the worst ground you ever played at?
I love the place but Murrayfield in 1993 was tough. There was a howling wind and the flags were flying in different directions. Scotland played to suit the conditions and won.
What is the worst thing about rugby today?
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My last year playing was full-time so I was at the crossover, although an amateur for the most part. I’m not sure they have the same fun now as we had. It’s much more serious. But I can’t say I miss what I didn’t have, although having prepared like a professional when I was an amateur I think I would enjoy it today.
What are Ulster’s chances this season?
There’s a lot to play for. In the Heineken Cup, Ulster have a chance to win against Munster at Thomond Park and get to the semi-finals. In the Pro 12, there is an opportunity to make the playoffs as the form is good.