Deans' focus on players as Wallabies beat England

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans insisted the 20-14 win over England at Twickenham had been a triumph for his players rather than a personal success after he'd been accused of "destroying Australian rugby".

The damning accusation was made in the build-up to Saturday's match by Australia great David Campese following the 33-6 thrashing inflicted by France on the Wallabies in Paris last week.

"Deans has destroyed Australian rugby and I want him to go," Campese told the Daily Telegraph as he launched into a withering critique of the New Zealander.

"Anyone who knows anything about Australian rugby, knows what it's famous for -- loops, angles, switches, counter-attack, creative play. Where's all that gone? We can't even pass properly." But the Wallabies certainly passed better than England although, as Deans's detractors will point out, that is not saying a great deal.

"Any result at Twickenham is significant, it doesn't come easily here," said Deans, full-back in the New Zealand side beaten 15-9 by England at Twickenham in 1983, after Saturday's much-needed victory.

"I'm very pleased for the lads and the way they played -- they did it not me, as I've said before." Australia ended a run of more than three-and-a-half hours without a Test try when right wing Nick Cummins crossed for his maiden one at this level in the 35th minute.

They then fell behind to a questionable try by Manu Tuilagi, awarded to the England centre by the video referee when it appeared he may not have grounded the ball on the line, and were 14-11 down at half-time.

AFP