As a five-year-old, Rob Herring was just about old enough to marvel the wonder of his native South Africa winning the World Cup on home soil.
"It was really big for South Africa and what they were going through, so it's a good memory," said the now 29-year-old.
In six week's time he could be playing in a World Cup himself, albeit wearing a different shade of green shirt with Ireland.
He had hoped to represent the country where he has worked and lived for seven years at the last finals, but his time in the training camp came to a premature end.
"I didn’t manage to get on the plane so the way that ended, I want to try and go one step further this year," admitted the Ulster hooker.
Herring had only banked one Test game, on the 2014 summer tour in Argentina, before the last World Cup.
He still only has seven to his name now, but three caps came on the successful Australia tour in the summer of 2018.
"The last World Cup I just felt kind of lucky to be in the pre-season squad but this year I’m a lot more motivated to play a big part in this team and to help us achieve something we haven’t achieved before," he commented.
“So I’m a lot more confident as a player, a lot more experienced and hopefully I can just do my bit to help the team.”
Still, it's a hugely competitive area, and Herring has got the nod to start against Italy with Niall Scannell on the bench.
But Sean Cronin and some guy called Rory Best, the Ireland captain, are also waiting in the wings.
"Sean only has it with Ireland, but I have it at Ulster as well," Herring joked.
"But it's something we're all pretty used to, over the last four years it's pretty much been us four hookers being repped in and out in the various squads.
"Look, it's a very competitive position, I'm aware of that and the other hookers are as well.
"Ultimately, that's what you want. We're all driving each other, driving the standards and I think this eight week block will see us improve because we're all driving each other on.
"We know how competitive the position is. There is a lot at stake".
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