Deans resists biting back

Australia coach Robbie Deans (Reuters)

The Australia coach, Robbie Deans, refused to take the bait after being accused by of lacking confidence in his World Cup side for today's opening game of the Rugby Championship against New Zealand in Sydney.

Steve Hansen, the New Zealand coach, claimed that picking only six starters from their 20-6 semi-final defeat by the All Blacks at last year's World Cup was an admission from Deans that either he had got his selections wrong or he did not trust those players to get the job done.

"Steve is a very good fisherman – he loves fishing," said Deans. "This group is really looking forward to kick-off."