Scrum anchor Ben Alexander doesn't view the Wallabies' grand slam tilt as a chance to avenge their Lions' "implosion" but admits the devastating defeat is fuelling his fire.
Almost four months have passed since Australia suffered their disastrous 41-16 third Test drubbing by the British and Irish Lions in Sydney, a result which cost coach Robbie Deans his job.
Yet, the hurt still remains for many Wallabies, none more than Alexander who carried much of the blame from the series decider after their scrum was demolished by the visitors pack.
The 58-Test prop was sin-binned after just 25 minutes following a series of set-piece indiscretions as his direct opponent, Alex Corbisiero, produced a man-of-the-match display at loose-head, dominating the scrums and scoring the opening try.
Alexander copped as much flak as any player but the hurt of losing the once-in-a-career series in such a meek manner skinned him more.
He felt Australia just simply failed to handle the pressure of the massive occasion.
"After that third game I was devastated," the 28-year-old told AAP. "I was looking forward to that series for such a long time.
"To lose the series the way we did, especially after the first two games were so close and well fought, (hurts).
"For all the hype around the third game and for us to implode the way we did was just disappointing.
"I think the pressure got to us. We were like dear in the headlights with the way we played that third Test."
Alexander has been denied a chance to gain personal revenge on Corbisiero when the Wallabies kick off their spring tour on Saturday at Twickenham after the Englishman was ruled out with a knee injury.
England's likely replacement at No.1 is Mako Vunipola who Alexander fared much better against in the 16-15 second Test win over the Lions in Melbourne.
Former World Cup-winning prop Richard Harry believes Corbisiero's loss is a major help to the Australians in the pivotal scrum battle.
"I think it will have a big affect," said Harry. "No one can deny what an impact he had with the Lions, he was very damaging, so that will be a positive for Australia."
Alexander diplomatically pointed to England's immense front-row depth to say the Wallabies would be in for a searching scrum test no matter the personnel.
But he denied the next month's grand slam tilt could cover the deep wounds of the winter.
"That arena has gone now and we'll never have the chance to beat the Lions," he said.
"You just have to use it as fuel for the fire the next time there's a big occasion.
"You use that disappointment to train harder and prepare better."
Could that hurt propel them to a first clean sweep of the home unions - England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales - in 29 years, and second ever?
"We'll worry about that when we get there (to Cardiff on November 30)," he said. "We play England first."
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