Playing in  both Scotland’s dramatic 9-6 away win in June, and the Murrayfield victory in 2008, De Luca appears to have the Wallabies’ number – but he insists even their summer successes can’t take the sting away from an underwhelming RBS 6 Nations.

Scotland picked up the wooden spoon for the first time in five years – but the disappointment sparked a remarkable six months for Scottish rugby, on both domestic and international levels.

De Luca enjoyed a fine season European success with Edinburgh – coming within three points of a Heineken Cup final – and is keen to hook up again with free-scoring club team-mate Tim Visser on the international stage.

Visser scored twice on debut against Fiji, and along with the momentum from winning all three summer tests, De Luca and Scotland have reason to be excited for the arrival of the All Blacks, South Africa and Tonga in November.

“We’ve managed to beat Australia twice but not in the fashion we wanted. Hopefully some of the boys will get that chance next summer,” said De Luca, who also helped Scotland to victories over Fiji and Samoa on the summer tour.

“The Lions are a goal for every player but unrealistic for most of us.

“Winning three from three on tour was good but doesn’t make up for the disappointments of the Six Nations. They far outweigh the positives from the tour in terms of results.

“Tim and I have worked well for three years at Edinburgh and it is good to see that relationship continue on the national stage and given the chance, I hope we can continue.

“We have got to draw on our most recent successes ahead of a very tough Autumn Test series – Scottish rugby is always a work in progress.”