Australia's new brand has Deans stamp

Dan Carter's verdict on Australia after his New Zealand team's 34-19 Tri-Nations defeat on Saturday was a ringing endorsement of his former Crusaders coach Robbie Deans' influence.

Dan Carter's verdict on Australia after his New Zealand team's 34-19 Tri-Nations defeat on Saturday was a ringing endorsement of his former Crusaders coach Robbie Deans' influence.

Carter recognised several aspects of Deans' gameplan in the Wallabies' display on Saturday, insisting that the Australians were now showing their true potential.

“There's a few similarities in the game, but what he does is bring the best out of players and the Wallabies are playing with real confidence,” Carter said to the AAP.

“The way they play is a lot more expansive.”

All Blacks caoch Graham Henry also acknowledged Deans' influence on the Australian team now tipped by many to win the whole tournament.

“Their defence is better and it's more structured,” Henry said.

“Field position is a key and they play a good field position game.”

All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith also credited the Australian defence.

“We played too much behind the gain line, their defence was very strong, very well-structured,” Smith said.