DAN LYDIATE admits he is relishing a chance to start putting the pain of Wales’ agonising World Cup exit behind him.

Wales proved the lone British and Irish success story in New Zealand, achieving their best World Cup performance for 24 years before bowing out to semi-final conquerors France.

But there was also an overriding feeling of what might have been, given that Wales went within two points of beating Les Bleus despite having captain Sam Warburton sent off midway through the first-half.

Tomorrow’s World Cup bronze medal re-match against Australia in Cardiff offers Wales a chance to avenge a 21-18 defeat at Eden Park 41 days ago.

And although its scheduling has been criticised in some quarters, Lydiate is thirsting for another Test match opportunity.

“It’s good we get another chance to play Australia after the disappointment of that last game,” Newport Gwent Dragons flanker Lydiate said.

“We had a really good chance to do something special at the World Cup, and it didn’t happen. We have only got ourselves to blame for that.

“It is disappointing when you think what could have been, but you can’t dwell on what has happened.

“You have got to push on.”