The Wallabies, as a group, have plenty to prove at Murrayfield this weekend as they attempt to shake the Scottish monkey off their backs.
But no individual feels it more than promoted centre Mike Harris who wants to show he’s learned his lesson on two fronts on Sunday morning (AEDT).
The Kiwi-born utility made his Test debut in the 9-6 upset loss in horrendous conditions in Newcastle last year, and has lived to rue the day.
With the score at 6-6 in the dying minutes after the Wallabies failed to covert their second-half dominance, Harris put up a bomb from well inside his half but could only watch in horror as the wild tail-wind saw it fly to the Scots’ quarter-line and then bounce dead.
From the ensuing scrum 25m out, Scotland received a penalty and then kicked the three-pointer for a memorable win.
“That was one of the toughest learning experiences you could have,” Harris said. “It was very disappointing to lose.
“It was something that I still don’t believe.
“I feel like I want to get one back. It’s definitely an opportunity and I feel I’ve got the opportunity now.”
Harris has got his chance through a hamstring strain to Matt Toomua, suspension to Tevita Kuridrani and also bans to wingers Adam Ashley-Cooper and Nick Cummins, two of six stood down for late-night drinking in Dublin.
Harris was among nine players also reprimanded for staying out late in Dublin so it is ironic that he’ll play when a call-up would not have occurred if the versatile Ashley-Cooper was available.
The Queensland inside centre, recruited from North Harbour by Ewen McKenzie in late 2010 when he was Reds coach, views the dramatic episode as another lesson to learn from.
The way Harris combines with makeshift centre partner Christian Leali’ifano – who has little experience at No.13 – will be intriguing, and Scotland will do their best to test the two.
“The thing with 13 it is one of the most difficult positions to defend,” said Scottish outside centre Nick De Luca.
De Luca played in the Newcastle win as well as the 9-8 boilover in Australia’s last visit to Murrayfield in 2009 when Matt Giteau missed a last-gasp conversion to win the game.
The 40-cap back admitted poor weather contributed to both results and knows the Wallabies won’t easily be ambushed again.
“They’ll think if it’s a dry day they’ll rip us to pieces but hopefully it’s a dry day and we can show we can compete,” De Luca said.
Scotland’s Australian coach Scott Johnson has warned his troops to tighten their game after gifting South Africa a few tries in their 28-0 win last weekend, rating the Wallabies among the best counter-attacking teams around.
“The two best teams in the world who can punish you are Australia and NZ,” he said. “They are pretty formidable.”
Billy Bob
Guest
Agreed Ben league is a completely different subject. As is this sidetrack argument around Aussie Mike. The rules are international -agreed on by a majority. Follow the rules. That's it. I don't like names like Vunipola and Tuilagi in the English team, but people who live in glass houses can't throw elephants. Australia is a great country with a vacuum in depth of homegrown talent and the ethnic make-up of our team is just one pointer to that. Let's move on.
Justin3
Guest
do you know the definition of pillage?
ben
Guest
Really? Your compatriots on here are already saying we are the champions of pillaging pi players even though its not true. Are they small minded? Please tell them the same thing. The point is the abs are home grown. Aus and eng are the ultimate pillages not us.
eagleJack
Guest
Oh I see. The whole "you started it" argument. Very mature. With over 600k Kiwis choosing to call Australia home, and taking advantage of a stronger, higher income economy, there are bound to be more NZ born players eventually representing Australia. Think you better get used to it Ben.
richard
Guest
You want to name names.NZ doesn't poach players from anywhere,let alone the south pacific.If anything,it is the likes of Australia and England poaching our players.Not to mention supplying the PI teams with their talent.
ben
Guest
Dont get the connection. They play in the nrl yep but still play for nz. Unlike james tamou...played for nz age grade nz maori but always wanted to play for aus!! Anyway thats league....completely different subject.
ben
Guest
Who have we poached from the sth pacific who wasnt born in nz or raised from school age? Name them.
DR
Guest
You not need luck mate. Play to your ability and you will be fine. It is that simple.
DR
Guest
Champions you say?? Do tell!!! I am intrigued.
Pete
Guest
Ben dont get too carried away mate... how many kiwis in the NZ team play in the Australian NRL??? The whole bloody team! Yet if they are eligible to play for their country then let them play. How's that chip on your shoulder cous. Laser mike has a lot to prove this game! Hopefully he combines well with QC!!
Sluggy
Roar Guru
Coming from the poaching champions of the south pacific, this is a bit rich.
ben
Guest
Why is it small minded? Aussies and poms for years went on about nz "pillaging" the pacific island rugby talent despite them being born or raised here. Im sure you called all those fellow aussies and poms small minded too didnt you. Maybe not.
Thanks mate. We need all the good luck and best wishes we can muster, I don't think you guys heed it, but good luck, go the SH.
DR
Guest
Come on Wallabies!!! Except against the ABs and Scotland. Oh and the Boks too if BB and Harry are reading. ;) Wooohooooo!!! A good night of footy awaits!!! And the Kiwis too!!! Come on lads!!!! Yeehaaaa!!!
eagleJack
Guest
To be fair only the small minded Ben is arguing about it.
Pride and patriotism has its price, eh?
Rotuma Island
Guest
im fed up with this "born here play there" crap, it doesnt matter anymore now, its a global game just appreciate the fact that we're able enjoy a beautiful sport, is it a crime that i was born in Rotuma, got a scholarship to study Medicine @ Sydney Uni and chose to live and start a Family in Aust, i pay my taxes, i follow the law, havent broken any yet....lol, players chose to represent Aust and the Wallabies so whats the harm, they're enjoying a fat wallet and we arguing on the internet about them.
IronAwe
Guest
Doesn't bother us Aussies at all. It's everyone else who seems to be upset by it.
Blinky Bill of Bellingen NSW
Guest
Well IMHO the replacements need their heads read if they don't play out of their skins. ;) Hopefully their performances are going to give Ewen some selection nightmares when he turns his attention towards Cardiff.
Dandaman
Guest
Him and about one million other kiwis :-((