ROBBIE DEANS has headed off for a few days rest and recuperation in Christchurch, but luminaries such as former Wallaby captain Nick Farr-Jones believe the Test coach will be haunted by what he experienced on Saturday night.

Farr-Jones was part of the New Zealand television commentary team, and after the loss told viewers: "Five victories on the trot, including beating the world champions and the mighty All Blacks … he [Deans] was about to become the Australian prime minister, and if we were a republic, he would have been the president.

"But he will be a little shell-shocked after that. To come to his home country as the hailed coach, lose by 29 points, well, he will wake up tomorrow morning and wonder, 'Was I dreaming?'

"We came back to earth with a big shudder, and all of a sudden he won't be quite the blue-eyed boy."

Farr-Jones joked that Deans will continue to be admired in his new home, because: "A lot of Australians look upon him as one of the few New Zealanders over there with a fully paid job."

Farr-Jones told viewers that the All Blacks lineout dominance was crucial in ensuring their short two-loss losing streak ended.

"Whatever they did in the lineout the last seven days was superb. It wasn't only pinching our ball, they also had well devised moves at the lineout," Farr-Jones said.

"As [Wallaby breakaway] Rocky Elsom wasn't playing, I wonder whether the All Blacks thought about really attacking against them. They [Australia] didn't have many options, and they thought, 'Let's give up this idea that we don't have a good lineout, attack the opposition, and get on the front foot'."

The 1991 World Cup skipper remained sceptical that the Wallabies would turn it around in South Africa.

"It's now 15 on the trot we haven't won away from home. Whilst I thought we could win tonight, I just can't see us winning in those venues. But who knows, the boys have got to bounce back. And we do need some silverware in our cupboard, because at the moment we've got nothing."