In the first Test in the capital in nine years, returning home town star Giteau steered the Australian back line superbly as it put on five tries to one on a bitterly cold night.

Dubbed ''Generation Next'', the young Wallabies backs repaid coach Robbie Deans's confidence in them, ensuring that Lote Tuqiri for one will struggle to return to the team any time soon.

''The kids that turn up and watch these guys play, they're not thinking about next week or next year, these guys are it, for now,'' Deans said.

''It's important they maximise that moment. There are no guarantees about what's coming, but there's some great opportunities.''

There is a great deal to like about the Australian back line, particularly judged on its past two performances.

A bunch of blond boys out wide with speed to burn, a clever pair of ball-players in Matt Giteau and Berrick Barnes and a craggy old commander in Stirling Mortlock, who showed with a second-half try the awesome combination of footwork and brute power.

For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times