Twenty Years On From Brian O'Driscoll's hattrick against France

On 19 March 2000, 78500 spectators got a close look at what a special player Brian O'Driscoll was going to be as the then twenty-one-year-old scored a fantastic hattrick against France in Paris.

The fantastic performance from the youngster at the time brought Ireland their first Paris win against the French for 28 years and ended a 15-match losing streak against Les Bleus.

After the game veteran Mick Galwey said: "I don't normally single out players, but today was different. Brian was magnificent, out of this world. He was the difference between the two teams. Three tries in Paris is a mind-boggling achievement. I've only known the lad a few weeks, but I already recognise he is a very special talent. He is a world-beater."

The Line Ups on the Day:

IRELAND: Girvan Dempsey; Kevin Maggs, Brian O’Driscoll, Rob Henderson, Denis Hickie; Ronan O’Gara, Peter Stringer; Peter Clohessy, Keith Wood, John Hayes; Mick Galway, Malcolm O’Kelly; Simon Easterby, Kieron Dawson, Anthony Foley.

Replacements: Frankie Sheahan, Justin Fitzpatrick, Paddy Johns, Andy Ward, Guy Easterby, Davis Humphreys, Mike Mullins.

FRANCE: Emile N’Tamack; Philippe Bernat-Salles, Cedris Desbrosse, Stephane Glas, David Bory; Gerald Merceron, Christophe Laussucq; Christian Califano, Marc dal Maso, Franck Tournaire; Fabien Pelous, Olivier Brouzet; Arnaud Costes, Abdelatif Benazzi; Thomas Lievremont.

Replacements: Raphael Ibanez, Pieter Villiers, Franck Belot, Lionel Mallier, Aubin Hueber, Alain Penaud, David Venditti.