The pain of wasting a shot at a cherished grand slam is written on the face of Adam Ashley-Cooper but the bloodied Wallabies warrior staunchly believes their European trip remains as significant as ever.
Australia’s end-of-season tour deflated immediately with Sunday morning’s (AEST) 20-13 loss to England at Twickenham which dashed hopes of emulating the 1984 Wallabies with a sweep of the Home Unions.
With the Ashes about to start and the Rugby League World Cup being held at the same time in the United Kingdom, the level of public interest in the Wallabies’ progress has taken an instant hit.
But Ashley-Cooper denied it would have any ill-affects on the focus and desire for Ewen McKenzie’s rebuilding team as they build towards the next World Cup in England.
Australia’s most experienced back said winning, and adapting to the northern hemisphere conditions, against Italy, Ireland, Scotland and Wales was crucial to their future plans.
All play a combative forward game which is suited to their softer grounds and the less-than-friendly weather that will be the norm for showpiece tournament.
“This tour is so important for us because at the end of the day you are looking long term and there is only so much time entering the 2015 World Cup and tours like this overseas are key,” he said before flying to Turin.
“It’s important in being able to win on the road in these conditions in the UK and Ireland.”
The Wallabies have been drawn into the pool of death in 2015 and must beat England and/or Six Nations champions Wales to progress to the knockout stages.
Australia’s Twickenham loss denied them a chance to leapfrog England into No.3 on the IRB world rankings and leaves them vulnerable for a slip down the standings.
Ashley-Cooper was left with six stitches across his left eye-brow after pulling off a try-saving tackle on rival winger Marland Yarde as England started their frenzied second-half fightback.
He was substituted with blood streaming down his face and was off the field for 15 minutes while Chris Robshaw and Owen Farrell scored their tries.
Just before the turnaround, Quade Cooper had the chance to give the Wallabies a 16-6 lead.
Ashley-Cooper denied Australia’s players were rattled as Twickenham roared the penalty miss and England lifted.
Instead he blamed “simple skill errors” as the Wallabies let the home side off the hook.
“We were in a position to win the game at 13-6 at halftime,” the 88-Test stalwart said.
“It is disappointing.
“With a large Australian following over here in London and a lot of people behind us and to not only let them down but let ourselves down is a shame.”