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Deans happy with `scrappy` win

Saturday 19th July 2008

Deans: 'It was never going to be perfect'

It was always going to be a case of whether the emerging Wallabies could make it click against a Springboks outfit rolling with momentum following their historic win against New Zealand seven days ago.

But Australia's new direction under Robbie Deans received a massive boost when the Wallabies opened their Tri-Nations campaign with a tense 16-9 victory over world champions South Africa at Subiaco Oval.

Deans maintained his unbeaten record since taking the helm last month as the underdog Australians scored their most important win of their new era.

"It was never going to be perfect but obviously against an opponent that's very physical I'm very proud of the attitude and the mentality that the team showed," Deans told Fox Sports.

"Up against a side that is very able and very physical, they asked a lot defensively, the guys stood up to that with some great scrambling defence.

"We created a lot and could have achieved more."

Deans said it was "a job well done against a side we have a lot of respect for" but that the Wallabies could do better against New Zealand next Saturday in Sydney.

Deans, himself a New Zealander, is in his first season in charge of Australia and said he was looking forward to meeting his countrymen next week.

"There's a lot of scope for improvement in the details and we can add to what we did do right tonight. There's the opportunity for growth.

"I suspect next week will be very special and there'll be a fair amount of banter. But I'm looking forward to it and we'll see what we can make of it."

Australia scored two tries, through centre Stirling Mortlock and wing Lote Tuqiri, and Deans praised both efforts.

"We took another step forward in terms of execution today," said the coach.

"For Lote's try, we got in behind the Springboks and that created the stress in defence. The guys were then skilled enough to get the ball to Lote, that was a good piece of play."

Mortlock's try came when the Australian skipper muscled his way through three tackles.

"That try epitomised the effort today, that desire to get over the line," said Deans.

"It was a tough encounter and I really took a liking to the pride the players showed, their willingness to engage and defend."