Rugby: Retiring skipper faces unwanted record

Stephen Moore has 23 losses from 28 matches against the All Blacks. Photo / Photosport.nz

Stephen Moore insists he'll carry no psychological scarring into the Bledisloe Cup battle with the All Blacks despite facing an unwanted place in Australian rugby history.

Headed for test retirement after this season, former captain Moore risks leaving without ever getting his hands on the giant trophy in 10 campaigns unless the Wallabies can pull off a monumental upset.

And only a drought-breaking Bledisloe series win, an injury or axing can save Moore from a sorry spot in the record books.

With 23 losses from 28 test matches against New Zealand, Moore will pass Adam Ashley-Cooper for most defeats by the All Blacks if he plays all three matches of another Wallabies whitewash.

To bow out in such disappointing fashion would be a sad end for Moore, who has suffered almost half his 50 test losses against the most dominant team in professional rugby history.

The 34-year-old captained Australia to their 34-17 loss to the All Blacks in the 2015 World Cup final and has otherwise penned a successful career, including Rugby Championship glory and victories over every major test-playing nation.

The no-nonsense hooker has little time for reflecting on past defeats.

"If you go out there looking at the previous result, it just shows a lack of self-esteem, really," Moore said yesterday.

"Part of our preparation is ... trying to treat this game in isolation and get out there with a good mindset so that we can get out there and perform."

His five triumphs over the All Blacks is also the most of any current Wallabies squad member, leaving Moore feeling philosophical about his record.

"There's far more important things in people's lives that you get impacted by," he said.

"Over time you become resilient around that stuff, whether you win or lose."

Given Australia hasn't held the Bledisloe Cup since 2002, Moore is not the only Wallaby with a dire record against the All Blacks.

Will Genia, who is likely to be again named at halfback for Saturday's Rugby Championship opener in Sydney, has won just twice in 20 tests against New Zealand - even worse than Moore's 18 per cent success rate.

Lock Rob Simmons is one from 16 against the All Blacks, prop Sekope Kepu two from 18 and flanker Michael Hooper, who took over as captain from Moore this month, just two from 15.