Moore moves on from 'frustrating' year for Wallabies

Australia captain Stephen Moore described last year as disappointing and frustrating for the Wallabies, but he takes positives into 2017.

The Wallabies endured a poor 2016, winning just six of their 15 Tests as coach Michael Cheika came under pressure.

Moore acknowledged it had been a tough year for Australia, but hopes they can build on their three wins from five to finish the campaign.

“From the team’s point of view, it was certainly a frustrating year, particularly the Tests in the Rugby Championship were disappointing,” he told Omnisport from the HSBC Sydney Sevens.

“I think it was frustrating and disappointing.

“But if you look at the positive side, there were some players that played their first Test last year. I think there were 13 or 14 new caps to come into the team and I’d like to think over the next few years those players will become a really important part of the side.

“You have to try and extract some positives out of what was a tough year. The [Spring] Tour as well, we won three out of five, we’d like to win all the games, but there was some good stuff over there that’ll help us to move forward into 2017.”

Moore, a veteran of 117 Tests, made a return to Queensland Reds in Super Rugby ahead of the upcoming season.

Reds have endured three difficult campaigns, having last made the play-offs in Super Rugby in 2013.

The 34-year-old Moore said his team’s focus was on getting the basics right.

“I think we haven’t talked too much about the expectations or what we want results wise,” he said.

“I guess the coaches have just tried to install a really strong work ethic in the team and get ourselves ready to play and play a style of rugby that makes the supporters proud of what they see and I think that’s the most important thing.”

Reds begin the Super Rugby season with a clash against Sharks in Brisbane on February 24.