Wallabies veteran Nathan Sharpe took more than a day to pick himself up following his shock career-first axing last month.

Now the 70-Test lock aims to show in Saturday night's Tri-Nations decider against New Zealand that he's used the pain of the dumping constructively.

Sharpe admitted on Monday he was cut deeply by being left out of the original 24-man tour squad sent to South Africa following the thumping 39-10 loss to the All Blacks on August 3.

While he was dropped to the bench in 2003, it was the first time the 30-year-old has been cut from the Australian 22 since debuting.

"It hurt, it hurt a lot," Sharpe said.

"I guess that has made me more determined to get back into the team and be it this weekend, be it the Spring Tour or be it next year, I'll set myself that goal. There's no point lying around and feeling sorry for yourself.

"It took me a day or so to get back on deck but once I was I made resolutions to myself to get back to where I wanted to be and time is the only thing that is going to tell when that is firstly, or if that is.

"I'll be working hard and when I get that opportunity I'll certainly make the most of it."

Indications are Sharpe will be one of a handful of changes, directly replacing Hugh McMeniman in Australia's second-row against the All Blacks at Suncorp Stadium.

McMeniman wasn't disgraced in the last start record 53-8 loss to South Africa in Johannesburg but Sharpe's experience and lineout leadership are seen as key reinforcements to the pack.

Sharpe was originally cut by coach Robbie Deans when Dan Vickerman returned from injury to partner rising 22-year-old James Horwill.

Vickerman's loss to injury in the 27-15 victory over the Boks in Durban saw the Western Force skipper recalled into the tour squad but he still had to endure the eight-try Jo'burg massacre as a frustrated spectator.

"It was a very emotional night for me, to be watching the guys and knowing what they were going through," he said.

"But the one thing I know about this team, I know there's a lot of resolution."

Sharpe predicted a "torrid" winner-takes-all clash with the Wallabies revved up to make the Springbok loss ancient history.

"It may have been a big score over there but I don't think it counts for anything this weekend against the All Blacks and the 15 or 22 guys who will take the field will be stinging from that game and they will certainly let that be known," he said.

"If you win the Tri-Nations everyone forgets about that sort of stuff."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP