Australia captain Rocky Elsom is targetting a career swansong against the British & Irish Lions in 2013.
The Heineken Cup winner will be 30 when the Lions arrive in Australia and is hoping to line-up against the famous tourists after seeing the effects of the 2001 tour.
The Wallabies currently boast some of the most exciting youngsters in the world game including Quade Cooper, David Pocock, Will Genia and James O'Connor. And Elsom is keen to lead them into battle with the Lions in three year's time.
"They are the type of games everyone wants to be a part of," said Elsom.
"Having them 12 years apart is difficult but it is definitely something I want to be a part of.
"The previous Lions tour and the World Cup in 2003 are the two single biggest rugby events we've had in our country. They had an enormous impact on the popularity of the game.
"No one was expecting the Lions to be such a festival or so high-profile but it is certainly something the game needs. They bring so many supporters and create such an atmosphere.
"The difference between the games against southern hemisphere teams and northern is enormous just because the atmosphere it creates.
"There are so many great memories looking back to 2001. Obviously the scene was set after we lost the first test.
"There were so many great moments that made the tour. Brian O'Driscoll's try, which was one of the games great tries. Justin Harrison's steal in the last game that clinched the win.
"It's a hell of a long time ago and some of the younger guys might not even remember it. But from watching the South Africa tour you get a sense of how big an opportunity it is. Most sides only get one chance to play the Lions and by the time they get here they will have a very exciting team."
