Amid the chaotic capitulation, Howley produced one stunning dummy and break for a glorious try and another of similar vintage to put in Scott Quinnell.
Suddenly, we were back in 1997 when he won Lions tour selection and was described by former Wales scrum half Terry Holmes as 'the Alan Shearer of rugby'.
Howley was being talked off in the highest possible terms - as the second Gareth Edwards. Lions manager Fran Cotton even said: 'Rob's challenge is to come back from the tour and be spoken off in the same breath as Gareth. I think he can do it'
He never got the chance. Howley dislocated a shoulder against Natal seven days prior to his first Test duel with Joost van der West-huizen which was billed as the scrum half championship of the world.
The legends' legend Edwards said: 'Rob struggled to find his form last year after getting over the disappointment of it all. But now he's back to his best.
'He's sharper, making breaks and runs again. His confidence is growing. I think he's neck and neck with Matt Dawson in the race to be first-choice Lions scrum half in Australia this summer.'
The disappointment of 1997 is still with Howley. He said: 'The Lions in Australia are in the back of my mind. But what happened to me in 1997 will make sure that I never count my chickens.
'I'll only look forward if - and it remains a big if - I'm on the steps of the aircraft going to Australia. That's the way I have to be because of '97.
'The Alan Shearer of rugby? That was a long time ago. Things have changed. But I can be that again.'
Comparing his form is for others. But as a big believer in measurements of fitness, he does compare his condition with that of his playing peak four years ago.
He said: 'I keep my own diary of what I'm doing and how I'm feeling week to week, year to year. I'm not far off. I've worked very hard in the summer with certain private goals in mind. I'm stepping up one rung at a time.'
Saturday should offer us further evidence of the renaissance of Rob Howley, as he would say.
