Deans braces for hostile 'enemy' territory

There may not be rotten fruit, but Wallabies rugby coach Robbie Deans admits he's uncertain how icy the reception will be when he touches down in Auckland tomorrow.

Deans flies into "enemy" territory for the first time as Wallabies coach with the daunting task of ending a nine-match losing streak against the All Blacks at Eden Park, stretching back to Alan Jones' 1986 side.

It's five home tests and five wins for Deans, with Auckland representing his greatest challenge to date.

He's been there on the other side as All Blacks assistant coach, and as an enemy with the Crusaders.

"There's no doubt the reception won't be as warm," he said yesterday.

"Everyone's entitled to their own stance, and I've had hostile welcomes there in the past. It'll be what it is and I'm looking forward to it."

Deans has spoken openly about the Eden Park factor this week, embracing it as a peak to conquer for his young side rather than something to be mentioned in hushed tones.

Eight of them were playing the All Blacks for the first time in Saturday's 34-19 upset in Sydney.

The task got tougher yesterday when All Blacks captain Richie McCaw was confirmed to return, along with the cool heads of Leon MacDonald and Conrad Smith in the backline and Mils Muliaina shifting to the wing.

Deans assumed that meant the All Blacks would be more composed and less extravagant.

"Week to week the resistance is going to increase. New Zealand are going to be desperate and if you add the weight of numbers and history to that, the fact it is very difficult there (Eden Park) for whatever reason.

"It reflects the All Black psyche that they see it as their stronghold and that's what makes it so challenging. They take a real pride in what they do there.

"That gives you an indication into what we're going to have to bring to prevail. It's a great opportunity."

Deans' only selection eyebrow-raiser was Phil Waugh at flanker ahead of Hugh McMeniman, signalling the importance of breakdown possession as scavengers Waugh and George Smith square off against McCaw.

While the All Blacks reshuffled, Deans made only two changes with Waugh replacing Elsom and captain Stirling Mortlock returning from concussion at centre for Ryan Cross.

Waugh can appreciate how tough it is to win in New Zealand, let alone Eden Park. The previous Wallabies win across the Tasman was seven years ago in Dunedin.

"It's important to recognise it. It's a special challenge we've all been confronted with and I know that leading into this season there's numerous things, winning in New Zealand and winning in South Africa, there's different challenges along the way. This is our first big one," said Waugh, who has 71 test caps since his debut in 2000.

Waugh struggled to remember the last time he started alongside Smith, with whom he's waged a battle over several years for the gold No 7 jersey.

"It doesn't change my focus, I'll be playing as hard on the ball as possible. We've started a number of tests together. It's been a while since we have, but hopefully we can get the combination down pat quickly. "

 -NZPA