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MARSEILLES - Australia's World Cup quarter-final loss to England on Saturday marked a sad ending to the careers of the Wallabies' two longest serving players, George Gregan and Stephen Larkham.
The pair had announced before the tournament they were retiring from international rugby after the World Cup but could not have imagined a more bitter farewell.
Gregan, who is the world's most capped player with 139 caps, played well below the form that had once made him the best halfback in the world while Larkham did not even make it onto the field.
The first five-eighths injured his knee before the second pool game against Wales and never played again, watching Saturday's 12-10 loss from the sideline.
"This was a frustrating way for it to finish," Larkham told reporters. "It's quite emotional to think that it's all ended."
Gregan and Larkham have been in the Wallaby team for over a decade, the cornerstone of a golden era in Australian rugby.
They were both part of the side that won the 1999 World Cup and the first Wallaby side to win a series against the British and Irish Lions in 2001.
The pair also played together at provincial level for the ACT Brumbies and grew up in the same city, Canberra.
Larkham, who is Australia's second-most capped player with 102 test appearances, still credits Gregan with his successful transition from fullback to first five-eighths.
"He's been the rock behind my career, every game I've played he's been there," Larkham said.
"He was sort of my mentor when I first started in the five-eighth role, he coached me through the early years and continued to coach me through the latter years.
"The most emotional moment for me on the paddock after the match was when I caught George's eye and I had to go up and give him a hug, that was very difficult for me."
Gregan made his test debut in 1994, two years earlier than Larkham, and was playing in his fourth and final World Cup. He was skipper of the Australian team that made the final in 2003, losing to England in extra time, but lost the captaincy to Stirling Mortlock earlier this year.
Mortlock, who missed a late penalty that would almost certainly have won Saturday's game for Australia, said Gregan and Larkham deserved better.
"I think that Stephen and George have given so much, not just to Australian rugby, but to world rugby," Mortlock said.
"For them to bow out in the quarter-final, as well as everyone involved in our team, is extremely disappointing."
Saturday's match was also the last in charge for Australia coach John Connolly, who replaced Eddie Jones two years ago.
Australia have still not decided on a new coach for next season but Connolly confirmed he was not planning to reapply.
"When I signed (the contract) I said it was only going to be for two years and that hasn't changed," he said.
"I'm obviously disappointed. Rugby has been a wonderful career for me over the past 20 years.
"It's been a wonderful ride and I'm very fortunate to have made a living out of it over the last 10 years. Today is disappointing but there's been far more highlights than lowlights."
- REUTERS
