Adam Ashley-Cooper has vowed to vent his frustrations on Italy in Saturday's Test in Padova and nail down the Wallabies fullback spot in the process.

Ashley-Cooper says his return to Europe for the Wallabies' five-match spring tour has revived the bitter memories of last year's Rugby World Cup loss to England.

The 24-year-old Wednesday admitted his quarter-final howler in Marseille was the worst performance of his 13-Test career and he is determined to bury the demons over the coming fortnight.

England at Twickenham is the Wallabies' next stop after facing the Azzurri this weekend.

"That England match was grim and I've already started to use that as a little bit of motivation working towards these Poms," Ashley-Cooper said.

"But obviously Italy's first. But come England week, I'll be recalling that performance in France last year and definitely be using that because I was absolutely filthy with that game.

"It was such an important game and such a special game; a World Cup quarter-final and I suppose individually when you feel that you performed so badly, you feel responsible."

Ashley-Cooper said the Wallabies' 19-14 loss to the All Blacks in Hong last Saturday had merely compounded the misery and, asked if the Italians might bear the brunt of such anguish, wasn't shying away.

"Why not?" he said.

"I'm still pretty angry, especially after last week. I mean, I was gutted after the Brisbane Test (when Australia lost 28-24) against the Kiwis and then again in Hong Kong, letting them get away with it again.

"So I'm pretty angry and will be going out to really prove something if I get the opportunity."

The versatile Ashley-Cooper has been used everywhere in the Test backline except five-eighth and halfback, but is eager to find a permanent home at fullback.

And Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has made it clear Ashley-Cooper is his preferred No.15.

But with Lachie Turner, Drew Mitchell, who impressed in a two-try display from the wing against the All Blacks, and tour rookie James O'Connor all queueing up for an opportunity at the back, he knows he can't afford any slip-ups.

"I'm happy to play anywhere and I've always seen it that way, but to play in the one position for a number of weeks now feels very comfortable," Ashley-Cooper said.

"I'm really attacking fullback as a position I want to pursue and want to cement for years to come. Absolutely, and having that 2011 World Cup in the back of my mind.

"Every game to me is an opportunity to go out there and put in a really good performance and prove that I'm worthy of that 15 jersey."

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