Deans laments missed opportunities

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Despite enjoying just 43% of possession in what was a bruising affair, New Zealand outscored the hosts four tries to three on the way to a thrilling 28-24 triumph at a packed Suncorp Stadium. The win means the All Blacks retain the Bledisloe Cup along with an unprecedented fourth-straight Tri-Nations crown.

"I was stoked with their effort," Deans said of the Wallabies' determined showing. "They were able to build a lot of pressure ... but we didn't convert that into points when it looked like that was imminent."

He added: "And that's what you've got to do to get home in grand finals, and that's what it was."

While Deans could not fault his side's commitment to the cause he was left clearly frustrated by the outcome which failed to reflect Australia's dominance for much of the contest.

"We saw more glimpses (of what we are capable of) but I guess from my perspective I was very proud of the pride that they showed what it meant to them and kept coming," he said.

"It was there to be done but we didn't do it, and we seek that sort of consistency that the All Blacks have.

"They've got a habit of winning these games, we're getting closer but not there yet."

Despite his obvious disappointment, Deans still rates the early stages of his tenure a success.

"I think elements of it have been a success without a doubt," he said of his side's first nine Tests under his command. "You look at the number of players that we've introduced to this level, you look at some of the performances, we talk about consistency but there have been some good performances within that, not only from individuals but from the team itself."