Deans not dwelling on Scots loss

AUSTRALIA coach Robbie Deans insists his side have put the shock of their first defeat in 27 years to Scotland behind them as they prepare to take on Wales.

Scotland won for the first time in 17 meetings when Matt Giteau missed a last-minute conversion as the hosts held on for a 9-8 victory last weekend.

It means Australia have won just one autumn Test so far, beating England 18-9 and drawing with Ireland after a last-minute Brian O’Driscoll try before losing to Scotland.

However, Deans is adamant lessons have been learned as they finalise their build-up to the Test against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.

Deans said: “No one was more disappointed than us, in terms of the way our most recent Test outing turned out.

“It was an incredibly frustrating night for everyone involved, as it no doubt was for everyone who was watching back home.

“We can’t alter that outcome now but we are not dwelling on it either. We will learn the lessons from that experience and move on.

“As a group, we are fortunate that we have another opportunity, so that we can attempt to end this tour and the year on a more positive note.”

Digby Ioane returns for Australia in one of three changes to the side that lost last weekend.

Ioane was forced to withdraw from the squad for last weekend’s Hopetoun Cup Test with a shoulder injury but the centre returns in place of Ryan Cross.

Other changes see flanker David Pocock and lock Dean Munn start in place of George Smith and Mark Chisholm respectively after the former was rested last week while Munn comes in after captaining the side against the Cardiff Blues in midweek.

Will Genia, Wycliff Palu and Benn Robinson were all cleared to play after being doubtful with injuries.