Robbie Deans became Australia's head rugby union coach with an enviable reputation. A former All Black himself, his coaching pedigree began when he led the Canterbury provincial team to the championship in 1997. 

Taking over from Wayne Smith at the super franchise of the Crusaders, Deans cemented his reputation as arguably the world’s finest domestic coach by taking Canterbury to five Super rugby titles.

Succeeding John Connelly at the Wallabies helm, the straight-talking New Zealander did not have as uphill a battle as many expected. 'Knuckles' Connelly had made no illusions that the team needed changes, foremost in the pack,  although the magic he had worked with Queensland, Stade Francais and Bath was not always apparent with Australia.

The defeat by England in the 2007 World Cup emphasised what many thought was a failed reign. Whatever the opinion, it was a mixed period for Australia, who only defeated the All Blacks once but inflicted a 49-0 drubbing on South Africa.

Now that the Wallabies have completed their Tri-Nations campaign, it is easy to reflect on the positives of Australian rugby – as well as their glaring Achilles heel.

In the mid '80s, Australian rugby became a world power; first with an impressive Grand Slam win in 1984, and then with their first series victory on New Zealand soil in 1986.  It was the emergence of the Ella brothers that signalled what many believe is Australia’s traditional forte – running rugby.

Deans was to bring the free-styling attack back to Australian rugby while ensuring continued improvement in the tight and blooding fresh talent in the absence of stalwarts Stephen Larkham, Chris Latham and George Gregan – although many thought the latter outstayed his administration as Wallabies inside half. 

This new talent has become apparent.  Working under the traditional New Zealand system of second five-eighth, Berrick Barnes has become an influential figure in the framework – his presence sorely missed in Australia’s last two Test matches. Peter Hynes has come from nowhere to be the Wallabies' most dangerous threequarter.  Ryan Cross will be the national outside centre sooner rather than later,– while abrasive lock James Horwill is already being touted as a future Australian captain.

When Deans' first five matches included the scalps of Ireland, France, South Africa and New Zealand, it seemed as if the man nicknamed “Dingo” had indeed put the Wallabies on top of the world pecking order. In attack, the Australians had quickly grasped the intuition of punishing opposition mistakes and quick counter-attack play – a la Crusaders.  In nine games this season they scored a solid and steady 24 tries.

But it then came crashing down. Despite breaking the trend with a historic victory in South Africa, two of the heaviest defeats in Australian Test rugby history were suffered at the hands of the All Blacks in Eden Park and then Ellis Park. To say the Wallabies were outplayed is a fact; but another harsh reality showed that they cannot compete with other tier-one nations who play to full potential.

Whilst Australian rugby supporters will argue this last point, the All Blacks were down and seemingly out in Brisbane, playing far below their par – but the Australians could not finish the job. It is this mental character that won the Wallabies previous games against their mightiest foe. No matter how powerful previous New Zealand teams have been, the Wallabies have always believed they can win. This belief appears to have deserted the “scrappers” of world rugby.

Defensively, Deans made a point that he would alter the Wallabies' defensive systems, with John Muggleton a casualty of the new coaching regime. While modern rugby history shows that all teams struggle when changing such structures, what happened to “if it isn’t broke, why fix it”?. 

The old almost league style Wallaby defence was unmatched in world rugby, but the most glaring hole in 2008 was in the midfield defensive channel. Conceding 21 tries in six Tri-Nations matches is a viable concern. Has this season seen the beginning of the end for Stirling Mortlock?

Last, but not least, the Australian forwards.  The great consistency of the Wallaby pack – their aerial attack, seemed to desert them in key games. There is no issue with depth or ability, but there is no Australian hooker dominating the mix.

The loose forwards have had similar issues, although there must be grave concern now that Rocky Elsom is effectively departing the national setup. Take the first-choice Wallaby back row out and there is not much to speak of. No disrespect to Phil Waugh but he had a poor international season.

The Australian scrum is still maligned and deservedly so. In matches between South Africa and New Zealand there were a total of 60 scrums, with eight resets and eight collapses. Matches involving Australia saw a total of exactly 100 scrums, with an atrocious 40 resets and 65 collapses.

I do not wish to disrespect any man who has represented his country, but Al Baxter and Matt Dunning are far from international class props. With the ARU tinkering with eligibility and representation rules, maybe a change to make foreign props eligible could allow the Wallabies to attempt to contest a scrum.

Beware the world if Australia can actually manage to legitimately threaten this crucial set piece.

Still, it is still a pretty good first season.  Sure, Deans had a short turnaround preparing after being with the Crusaders, but he also had a huge advantage working with the ELVs in the Super 14.

A tough end-of-season tour awaits the Wallabies, where 'Dingo' will no doubt to continue refining what he will hope will become his green-and-gold masterpiece.

UPCOMING MATCHES - Nov 1: New Zealand v Australia (Hong Kong Stadium); Nov 8: Italy v Australia (TBA); Nov 15: England v Australia  (Twickenham); Nov 22: France v Australia (Stade de France).