Deans started well as coach of Australia by winning his first five tests, including the largest win over the All Blacks by the Wallabies in nine years. He ended his debut year of 2008 with mixed results. Australia under Deans lost the following three tests against the All Blacks, coached by arch-rival Graham Henry, but secured home and away wins over reigning the Rugby World Cup champion Springboks – Australia's win in South Africa was its first there in eight years. The Wallabies lost the third match to the Springboks by a record 53–8 score. There were also narrow wins over limited opposition in Italy and against a weakened Irish team.