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DUBLIN - Jason Eaton could be forgiven for spending a rare training-free day during the All Blacks' end-of-year tour reflecting on how much his rugby career has changed over the last three years.
He is in the Irish capital, as he was on November 12, 2005. But the circumstances could not be more contrasting for the 26-year-old.
Today marks the third anniversary of his test debut, a memorable day for the Taranaki lock, who made his provincial debut against the British and Irish Lions that same season.
Eaton earned his first test cap alongside Ali Williams as the All Blacks beat Ireland 45-7 at Lansdowne Road.
He then added impact off the bench against England at Twickenham and Scotland at Murrayfield as the All Blacks achieved their country's first Grand Slam since 1978.
Seven more caps followed in 2006, including his most recent, the second test against France at Paris that November.
Eaton returned home as not quite a top lock but viable cover with the versatility to play on the blindside flank.
A promising test career beckoned, until he suffered a serious knee injury during the 2007 Super 14.
A reconstruction in June last year and a lengthy rehabilitation followed - and a visible one at that after he vowed not to shave until he made his return to top-class rugby.
The hirsute Hurricane finally oiled the clippers for charity in February, but his comeback had been far from smooth.
Shorn of his hillbilly look, and understandably wary of his scarred left knee, Eaton's impact was not as obvious as predicted.
By his own admission Eaton had hardly strode authoritatively back to Super 14, a precursor for an All Blacks recall.
Towards the end of the regular season former All Blacks lock Ian Jones questioned whether Eaton had the desire to push for reselection.
The All Blacks coaches shared the same concerns and overlooked Eaton when the squad to play the June tests and then Tri-Nations was announced.
However, a solid provincial season with Taranaki saw him named for the trip to Hong Kong, Britain and Ireland.
So far his role has been peripheral - numbering up at training against the game day squads - but he has taken his demotion to the tour party's fourth or fifth choice lock magnanimously.
"It's been a bit frustrating not being able to get a chance to get on the field but hopefully I'll get a chance somewhere along the line," Eaton said.
"I've got no idea when. Do you?" he asked at the team's rural retreat in Dublin's west.
Deep down Eaton knows his opportunity will come in Limerick next Wednesday (NZT) when an All Blacks side stripped of their first-choice players commemorate the 30th anniversary of Munster's famous 12-0 triumph over captain Graham Mourie's 1978 tourists.
Eaton and Ross Filipo will likely lock the scrum, reprising the roles of Andy Haden and Frank Oliver all those years ago.
The game may have a second-best feel to it - Ireland's Munster contingent will also not back up from Sunday's (NZT) test here at Croke Park - but for the reserves it will be a night to remember.
Ben Franks, Hikawera Elliot and Scott Waldrom are also in line for the presentation of their first All Blacks jersey, while the wait for new halfback Alby Mathewson has not been as long because he only arrived from Wellington today.
For Eaton, who has been surpassed by a resurgent Brad Thorn and newcomer Anthony Boric this year, the tour is still ample compensation for the medical procedures he has endured.
"When I missed out on the squad at the end of the Super 14 it was quite disappointing at the time, though looking back I wasn't quite worthy of actually being in the group," he said.
"It gave me a chance to work on things in the Air NZ Cup and I've been rewarded."
- NZPA
