More than eight years after Philippe Sella made his last appearance for France, ironically against England in the 1995 Rugby World Cup third/fourth place playoff, the centre's world record of 111 caps will be equalled by Jason Leonard on Sunday.
The veteran England prop will equal the record in their quarter final with Wales in Brisbane, having retained his place in the starting line up from the 111-13 defeat of Uruguay last weekend to post what is a record 20th Rugby World Cup appearance.
However Leonard, who played for England the day Sella made his final appearance, is not the only player who will celebrate a milestone against Wales with fly half Jonny Wilkinson set to win his 50th cap, as will Kyran Bracken if he comes off the bench.
Interestingly, Wilkinson was only 11 years old when Leonard made his debut against Argentina on 28 July 1990 in the daunting atmosphere that awaits visiting teams in Buenos Aires.
Merit not sentiment
England head coach Clive Woodward paid tribute to his veteran prop, but was also quick to point out that this is no sentimental selection on his part.
"It's a tremendous achievement. He's just a fantastic guy to be with ... what you see is what you get," enthused Woodward.
"We're very lucky to have him as a country and as a team at the moment ... there's no sentiment involved here at all. I promise you, he's in the team on merit.
"He's deserved every single one of his caps and just a big 'well done' from all of us, but like everything it's about England winning on the weekend, it's not about Jason getting his 111th cap."
England have made one change in their front row with Steve Thompson replacing Dorian West at hooker as Woodward reverts to his first choice starting XV.
Big guns return
The other changes in the forwards see captain Martin Johnson and Ben Kay return to the second row, while Lewis Moody and Neil Back are welcomed back into the England back row, the latter having had to pull out of the Uruguay match with bruised ribs.
Only two of the backline who started against Uruguay - centre Will Greenwood and five try hero Josh Lewsey at full back - are retained with Mike Tindall coming in to partner Greenwood in the centre, Jason Robinson and Ben Cohen returning on the wing and Matt Dawson and Wilkinson renewing their partnership at half back.
Unfortunate to miss out on selection are scrum half Andy Gomarsall, who scored two tries in a good performance against Los Teros, and Paul Grayson, the fly half kicking 22 points against Uruguay but missing out on a bench spot with Woodward going for the versatile Mike Catt as back up kicker.
Catt is named on the bench after being given the all clear by medical staff to play following a head knock at training in Brisbane today, while Simon Shaw is in line for his first appearance at Rugby World Cup 2003 after arriving in Australia as cover for Danny Grewcock, who broke his hand against Uruguay.