As the last Wallaby standing from the run-on team which lost the 2003 Rugby World Cup final to England, Saturday's Test at ANZ Stadium is all about redemption for Nathan Sharpe.

But not for that heartbreaking loss seven years ago at the same ground, instead it's all about Australia's forward pack having a second chance after being destroyed by England in Perth last weekend.

Sharpe says the World Cup loss is ancient history and not even the return of match-winning English star Jonny Wilkinson will change that fact going into the second Test.

"There's been a lot of water go under the bridge since then mate," Sharpe said when asked about a shot at revenge for the World Cup loss.

"I've said it before when asked about it, you don't get those moments back. There's no point trying to chase them, you just try and write the present as it comes.

"We're Australia and we love beating England, so that's the goal for the weekend."

First and foremost for the Western Force skipper is the opportunity given to Australia's forwards to make up for a pasting at the hands of the English in Perth last weekend.

Despite the Wallabies winning the Test 27-17, an inexperienced front-row was monstered in the scrum by England with the referee awarding two penalty tries as he lost patience with the Australians.

But with injuries limiting coach Robbie Deans' options, the same pack will line-up on Saturday and Sharpe feels it will be a chance to restore some pride.

"There's absolutely no isolation of the front-row on their own, it's a full eight thing and obviously our pride's been stung from last week," he said.

"Clearly that (scrums) was an area that England gained an ascendancy, had we not played well in other areas it would have had a massive impact on the game.

"For us there's no ducking or weaving, no cloak and daggers, we have to confront it head-on and that's what we aim to do on Saturday.

"I think one of the key things to improving performance is consistency in selection, so that's going to help us going forward ... and the guys that experienced last week know that it's going to go up a level again."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP