Scotland legend Scott Hastings was the special guest for the first episode of our Rugby World Cup preview series 'Land of the Rising Scrum'.
Hastings represented Scotland 65 times over his career, winning a 5 Nations Grand Slam in 1990 and captained the Barbarians against New Zealand in 1993.
He played in three Rugby World Cups - including the very first one in New Zealand in 1987.
"It was, kind of, a step into the unknown," he told Neil Treacy. "Of course, it was brought together fairly quickly by the then, International Rugby Board, down in New Zealand.
"Even in those days, it was a long way to get down there - I can tell you!
"And it was a step into the unknown. 16 teams were brought together to play in four pools of four and for me, it was, kind of, a disappointing tournament.
"I stepped off the plane and we were straight onto the training paddock. We'd been on the go for 36 hours and I actually pulled my hamstring.
"But, they allowed me to stay on and I got one game against Romania. I didn't last too long - I think it was about 10 seconds! But, as we all know, caps are caps.
John Kirwan in action for New Zealand"It was a great experience. It was my first trip to New Zealand and once the tournament was up and running - it was a phenomenal experience to be part of it.
"The New Zealand rugby community embraced it and it was something very, very special and so it proved.
"And, for me, there was one moment in that tournament that you suddenly realised 'Wow, we're on the world stage' and it was when John Kirwan scored a try for New Zealand against Italy.
"It was one of these magical tries. He fielded a kick-off and ran fully 80 yards beating Italy and for me, this was a moment captured in time that will forever be remembered and it was certainly a special time.
"And to say that you played in the inaugural World Cup I think was very special as well," he added.
You can watch the full episode of 'Land of the Rising Scrum' here:
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