Heartache spurs on Wallabies

The surviving players from the Wallabies’ Tri-Nations series deciding defeat against the All Blacks three years ago have extra motivation for the rematch in Brisbane on Saturday.

One of the four survivors, hooker Stephen Moore, said Monday he hasn’t forgotten the heartache of the last Tri-Nations decider at the same ground when the 2008 trophy slipped away in a late scoring blitz from New Zealand.

Leading 17-7 in the second half, after a James Horwill try, the Wallabies wasted their best chance for a third title triumph, and first since 2001, with a string of turnovers and missed tackles.

The All Blacks hit back with three quick tries and the Bledisloe Cup and Tri-Nations silverware stayed across the Tasman once again.

While Robbie Deans’ 2011 line-up is keen to make this month’s 14-30 loss in Auckland a distant memory, Moore said Saturday’s series decider was also an extra chance to erase the burning pain from four years ago.

“We had a good lead there and we let that one go and that was hugely disappointing,” said the 60-Test hooker, who will start in Saturday’s Test alongside 2008 survivors Horwill, deposed skipper Rocky Elsom and Adam Ashley-Cooper.

“You certainly don’t forget those encounters.

“We’re lucky to have another chance now to do it so we’re very determined to try and make it happen.”

The Wallabies have not won the Tri-Nations since Toutai Kefu crossed for a try in the last minute 10 years ago.

Since then they have lost in last-match deciders in 2004, 2007 and 2008.

AFP