Moore's mission

The Australia international, arguably the leading No.2 in the world, is still smarting after the Brumbies endured their worst-ever Super Rugby campaign.

The Canberra-based franchise recorded just four wins in 2011 and finished down in 13th place overall - and fourth in Australia Conference.

It was hard for Moore and the Brumbies to take, with the club having won the title twice and been runners-up on three occasions.

However a new-look Brumbies will take to the field on Friday when they tackle Western Force in their opening encounter of the new season.

And the 29-year-old Moore, who has been appointed vice-captain to Ben Mowen, determined to set the record straight.

"We had a shocking season by the Brumbies' standards," Moore told Sky Sports.

"We've been a very successful club in Super Rugby but last year was a step back for us.

"We had a shocking season by the Brumbies' standards."
Stephen Moore Quotes of the week

"We've a young squad and it is full of enthusiasm. We are all raring for the new season to start now.

Crucial

"It is crucial we get a good start, though. From there hopefully we can get a run of results and move on. If we can that early win then it will give the squad a lot of confidence.

"The Force, though, will be tough. They suffered a heavy loss to the Reds and they will have a week of soul-searching ahead of them. I expect them to come out swinging against us as they have so many class players."

It has been all change at the Brumbies in the off-season, with Matt Giteau, Rocky Elsom and Adam Ashley-Cooper among the high-profile departures.

However with World Cup-winning coach Jake White - who joined towards the tail-end of the season - and Laurie Fisher making a big impression on the squad, and some hunger younger players keen to show what they can do, Moore has every reason to be confident.

"We've lost a lot of experience and there has been a high turnover of players but that can be a good thing," explained Moore.

"It will give a lot of the younger players a chance to make a name for themselves, while we might unearth a few stars."

Moore, in particular, has been impressed with the impact Dan Palmer and Robbie Coleman in the offseason.

"Dan Palmer is a tighthead prop who has been around a few years - like all good tightheads - and has been knocking on the door," added Moore.

"If he can have a good season then there is every chance he can go on and play for the Wallabies, so I am looking forward to playing alongside him.

Confident

"Robbie Coleman, who is a utility back, has played a few times in the past but I am hoping he can have a good season, too."

Moore, himself, though had been a doubt for the opening game against the Force after injuring his shoulder against the Reds in a trial match.

However Moore, who has been capped 66 times, is hoping to be fit to take his place in the line-up.

"The shoulder is feeling pretty good and has settled down well," he said.

"When I first did it, I thought it could be really bad but the scans came back clear and the pain has eased.

"We have another week now before the first game and I am confident that I will be ok."