Robbie Deans might have a little green and gold blood coursing through his veins these days but most of it is still black and he will join four million other Kiwis barracking for the All Blacks against France next Sunday.
The Wallabies coach played for the All Blacks and had hoped to be coaching the All Blacks at this World Cup. Instead he was in charge of the opposition but, now his team are out, hopes for a New Zealand victory.
"The All Blacks showed tonight they are more than capable of winning and their intent is there," Deans said. "They are an experienced group and are well versed on what it takes [to win]. They are hungry and have some support around them. They will take some stopping.
"Good luck to New Zealand. They have worked hard for this opportunity. For some it is their third crack at the World Cup and you can see that in the way they play."
It meant Australia had few opportunities to win in last night's semifinal. They changed their tactics in the second half - the aerial route wasn't working as Israel Dagg and Cory Jane expertly snaffled any high balls kicked their way - and attacked more with ball in hand. While they looked more threatening, they couldn't find a way through a black wall and it was telling Australia couldn't score any points in the second half.
