Former Wallabies captain Nick Farr-Jones says he will 'take to my grave' Australia's series defeat at the hands of the British and Irish Lions 21 years ago.
Australia beat the Lions 30-12 in the opening Test of the 1989 series in Sydney before the visitors levelled with a 19-12 triumph at Ballymore.
The Wallabies led the decider 12-9 at the hour mark until winger David Campese threw a wild pass to fullback Greg Martin in the in-goal, the ball bouncing off the No.15's shoulder for Lions winger Ieuan Evans to pounce for the match winner.
A shattered Campese was crucified for the mistake, critics demanding he never again be picked for his country.
After launching the itinerary for the 2013 British and Irish Lions tour to Australia on Monday, Farr-Jones admitted he still carried the scars of that loss.
"If I look back on my 10 years with the Wallabies ... we got a World Cup in '91 but if I've got one regret it's that we didn't beat the Lions in '89," he said.
"It's a regret I will take to my rugby grave."
"Santa Claus comes once a year but the British Lions opportunity only comes to Australia once every 12 years."
The Lions, comprising the finest players from Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales, will play nine games on their first tour to Australia since 2001.
The tourists will meet all five Super Rugby sides, take on NSW Country in Newcastle and play three Tests against the Wallabies in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.
Wallabies prop Benn Robinson revealed players were all already talking about the Lions tour, rating it just below a World Cup in prestige.
He also believes the visit will convince team-mates to stay in Australian rugby rather than chase overseas contracts or defect to rugby league.
"It's very special. A chance for a player to play against the cream of the crop from those four nations is very exciting and a challenging experience," Robinson said.
"Underneath the World Cup you'd have to say the Lions tour is the next big thing."
"Players will want to hang around and want to play against the British and Irish Lions."
"Once in 12 years is not very often and it'll be a very special moment."