He earned his 100th Test cap against Wales at the 2011 Rugby World Cup, where Australia finished in third place. After the following Super Rugby season, Sharpe retired from the game. He was persuaded to stay on, however, for the Wallabies matches in the 2012 Rugby Championship and the 2012 end-of-year tour. Sharpe's presence in the second row took on added importance in the absence of the injured James Horwill, and he captained the side for the remainder of the year.