Frustrated Wallabies look for positives

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Wallabies coach Robbie Deans rued his side's missed opportunities in Auckland but believes his players are making progress against the All Blacks.

The Wallabies blew a 10-nil lead to lose 16-22 in the Tri-Nations opener that doubled as a Bledisloe Cup match.

Berrick Barnes, who scored a sensational try in the opening four minutes, botched a second chance soon after as the Wallabies failed to keep their foot on the throat of the All Blacks.

With New Zealand eventually dominating possession by 61% the All Blacks got a try through Richie McCaw and Stephen Donald kicked them home.

"We created a lot of opportunities but didn't come out of it as well as we'd like in terms of turning that into points," said Deans.

"We allowed the All Blacks to play that conservative sort of game and grind it out.

"We were much better than this time a year ago but we are frustrated to be still short.

"It's work in progress and we will just keep going. It's a (winning) habit that we have to acquire but it's coming."

The Wallabies slumped to 1-4 against the All Blacks under Deans, guilty of losing a close match for the third time.

"We became lateral as we chased the game as you tend to do. But for all of that, there was very little in it. As I said, we are pleased with our progress to be honest and we are looking forward to the next encounter."

The Wallabies host the All Blacks in Sydney and then play them again in Wellington and Tokyo, needing to win all three matches to snatch the Bledisloe Cup away from New Zealand.

Australia competed well in most areas although they were subdued up front by an aggressive All Blacks pack in the second half.

They also struggled again in the scrums where prop Al Baxter got a tough time from both his All Blacks opposite Tony Woodcock and South African referee Craig Joubert.

"Al Baxter was clearly very frustrated and with good reason to be fair," said Deans.

"But I'm not interested in talking any further about it. I don't see it as an area of any benefit," said Deans.

Skipper Stirling Mortlock was in a similar mood to his coach, frustrated at not being able to finish the job.

"I think its really pleasing that we are creating a lot more opportunities and chances," he said putting a positive spin on what really was a disappointing loss.

"Our defence was really good but we just didn't finish out chances on attack. We need to move forward from this."

- © Fairfax NZ News