For four magical weeks in mid-1987, the famous black jersey with a white collar, and black shorts, was Murray Pierce’s uniform of choice.
Then aged 29, the lock was one of two Wellington-based police officers – along with fullback John Gallagher – in the 26-strong All Black squad which made history and won the inaugural Rugby World Cup.
They – just like rugby fans around New Zealand – had no idea how successful the concept would be when the David Kirk-captained team ran out for the tournament opening clash against Italy at a sparsely-populated Eden Park on a Friday afternoon in late May.
A month later – by which time footy fans on both sides of the Tasman had embraced the tournament - it was clear the Rugby World Cup was here to stay.
But as All Black fans basked in the glow of the tournament triumph – secured with a 29-9 win over France in the final
