Wallabies flyhalf Ben Donaldson is eager to move past the 2023 World Cup defeat to Fiji as the side looks to solidify their preparation for the British & Irish Lions.
Donaldson is one of ten players left in the squad from the 23 that went down 23-15 in Saint-Etienne.
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It was Australia’s first loss in almost 70 years to the island nation and ultimately led to their World Cup exit.
With the Wallabies preparing to face them for the first time since that game next Sunday in Newcastle, Donaldson was eager to move on and show their growth.
“It wasn't a great day for us or Australian Rugby, but that's in the past now and we just look forward,” he told the media.
“A lot of us have played the Drua, and they’re a great team and exciting.
“We haven't really talked about the past. It's just about what's coming day by day, getting better each day as an individual and as a team as well.
“…It’s been two years since, and a lot of boys have had a lot of growth since then and played superbly and have gained a lot of experience in the Test. We’re full of confidence and we back everyone here in the squad.”
Fellow half Tate McDermott was watching on from the sidelines as the defeat happened, ruled out with a concussion suffered in the earlier win over Georgia.
Whilst the Lions' attention grows by the day, those emotions will ensure the Wallabies’ focus is single-minded, according to McDermott.
“I'll never forget watching that game with Willie Skelton in the box. A year is a long time in footy and two years is even longer,” he added.
“That's why we're giving Fiji the full respect that they deserve in a week and a bit, because we’ve seen with the Drua plus the boys from overseas that they’re a world-class team.”
The competition for spots in the halves is red-hot, with four capped flyhalves currently in the squad, including Donaldson, Tom Lynagh, Noah Lolesio and training member Tane Edmed.
“It's great. Obviously, people always say there's great competition for spots in this squad and that's the only way you get better,” Donaldson believes.
“We can't use the excuse that we're young anymore because we've been here for a fair few years. So really trying to have that voice in the squad and it’s been good because we’re all quite close mates in the squad as well.
We do a lot of extras together, watch the footage together so whoever does get that job at the end of the day, they'll be ready to go.”
