Sun, 23 Aug 2009 18:49 www.rugby365

New Zealand edged Australia 19-18 in Sydney at the weekend, with flyhalf Daniel Carter kicking the decisive 78th-minute penalty.

The match, played before 80,000 fans at the former Olympic stadium, was the All Blacks’ 11th victory in the past 13 Tests between the teams, including a 22-16 win in Auckland on July 18.

“The expectations are just as high and the expectations of the group are high,” Deans said. “If we continue to add to what we’re doing we’ll get there.

“I suspect with the amount of pain we’re going through right now it’ll be a habit we’ll want to keep. I’m not going to go belly up if that’s what you’re asking.”

Australia had a 15-6 lead with 30 minutes remaining, but the Wallabies faltered under pressure yet again, allowing the All Blacks to seal the Bledisloe Cup with two matches to spare.

The Aussies also had a commanding lead against the All Blacks in Auckland last month and against the Springboks a fortnight ago, before ending up losing those Tests as well.

Deans, however, felt his side did not surrender as easily as in previous Tests but were still learning composure.

“The most obvious difference is experience. They’re masters at getting home and we’re working hard at acquiring that art. We’re making headway but we haven’t acquired it yet, but I’m pretty confident we will,” Deans said.

“We’ve just got to find a way of taking that last step,” Deans told reporters at Sydney Airport on Sunday en route to Perth for the second clash with the Springboks on Saturday.

“It was eminently achievable but we’re not there yet.”

The Wallabies flew to Perth on Sunday for the first of back-to-back home internationals against the Tri-Nations-leading Springboks.

They’ll play South Africa again in Brisbane on September 5, before ending their Tri-Nations campaign against New Zealand in Wellington on September 19.

New Zealand coach Graham Henry has a five-one lead in head-to-head contests against Deans, a New Zealander who was overlooked for the All Blacks job that Henry kept despite his side’s unexpected quarterfinal exit at the 2007 World Cup.

Australia’s Berrick Barnes, who left in the second half with a neck injury, and teenage fullback James O’Connor, who had x-rays which cleared him of a leg fracture, are both expected to play next Saturday in Perth against South Africa.

“James O’Connor’s x-ray was clear so that’s a good start,” Deans said Sunday.

“It was just a blow to the lower leg … but it’s still a bit uncomfortable.”

Australia flanker Rocky Elsom, who played his first Test of the season after a knee injury, has a left ankle ailment, while lock Nathan Sharpe is nursing a shoulder problem.

Deans said both players will be monitored this week.