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Writing the first of a regular weekly column on the Australian Rugby Union website, New Zealander Deans praised his new players for their willingness to listen, learn and contribute since starting his tenure.

“One of the questions I’ve been repeatedly asked since the time we first assembled two-and-a-half weeks ago is with regards to the differences between Australian players and their New Zealand counterparts I’ve coached previously,” the former Crusaders boss and All Blacks assistant wrote.

“To be honest, there is no great difference.”

Deans led the Crusaders to five Super rugby championships, culminating with the 2008 title last month, before linking with the Wallabies.

Relieved rather than exhilarated by a gritty 18-12 win over Ireland in his first Test as coach, Deans said he was proud to be involved with the Wallabies.

“Success in any team-orientated sport comes down to a willingness to listen, learn, contribute and work with others,” he said. “These traits are present in this group.

“We have been excited by the players receptiveness to new ideas and their willingness to participate in discussions and offer their thoughts.

“This even came down to the singing of the national anthem post our win in Melbourne, which was sung with great gusto by everyone who was involved.

“It is a group I am proud to be associated with.”

Deans admitted his team was “patchy” in their six-point win at Telstra Dome and had plenty of areas to improve but was overjoyed by the defensive effort when Ireland relentlessly attacked for the last 10 minutes.

“I couldn’t have been happier with the commitment the entire squad showed in the build up to, and during my maiden Test as … coach,” he said.

“This manifested itself most visually in the defensive effort, which unquestionably proved decisive in winning us the contest.

“The fact that the game ended with a string of 18 consecutive phases of Irish possession, and yet they could find no way through as our players repeatedly rose to make tackle after tackle, spoke volumes for the attitude that has already built up within our group.”

Deans described top-tier Test rugby as a “take no prisoners” battle and was grateful for the tough first-up encounter.

“Ireland did us a great service by providing such a rousing work out,” he said.

“As much as we all desired to produce our best straight off the cuff, it was realistically never going to be like that.

“Mistakes and short-comings had to be expected on our part, even without allowing for the commitment and tenacity of the Irish, which was every bit as whole-hearted as we had anticipated it would be.”

© AAP 2012

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