The applause at Auckland International Airport's arrivals gate could only mean one thing - Wallabies coach Robbie Deans had arrived home.

The flurry of camera flashes confirmed it.

It wasn't a big crowd welcoming home a national hero, just a mark of respect for one of the favourite sons of rival southern capital Christchurch from those Kiwis who happened to be there.

A former New Zealand rugby official later quipped: "It's probably the first time he's ever been clapped in Auckland."

A healthy, but hardly overwhelming, local media contingent was on hand as Deans signed the odd autograph and slipped away, leaving assistant Jim Williams to do the talking.

Asked if he'd ever experienced that kind of reception for an Australian coach, Williams said: "No, not like that. I suppose it's a little bit different circumstances but basically any kind of welcome we can get is good."

Neither did the coaching staff discuss the homecoming as they sighted the Land of the Long White Cloud from their plane.

"No, not at all," said Williams.

"We stayed away from it ... we've certainly got a job to do and it's time to focus on that."

And, according to Williams, there were no signs of extra nerves from his boss either - despite the extra pressure of a "home" crowd and Australia's inability to beat New Zealand away since 2001.

"If there is I can't see it," Williams said.

"He's a fairly cool customer so he's very focused on the job at hand so I wouldn't think so."

While Deans, who has won five straight Tests since taking over the Wallabies, is flavour of the month, All Blacks boss Graham Henry, who has lost two straight, continues to be under pressure.

The New Zealand Herald ran a front page story asking readers to come up with their own 50-word coaching instructions for the All Blacks, who lost successive Tests last Saturday for the first time since 2004.

"You be the coach - turn the All Blacks into a team of winners," the headline said.

"If ever the All Blacks needed an inspirational message, they'll need it on Saturday.

"What would you say to the team in those last tense moments before they run out on the field?

"Be the coach. Tell us what you would say in 50 words."

The responses will be published in Saturday's edition, the same day as the Eden Park Tri-Nations and Bledisloe Cup showdown between Australia and New Zealand.

The match is likely to be played in soggy conditions after Auckland was deluged by 42mm of rain on Wednesday and it bucketed down again on Thursday.

"Basically being over in this weather for seven years over in Ireland you certainly get accustomed to the style of rugby it needs," former Munster assistant Williams said.

"But it's all about building pressure, whoever can build pressure at the right times, take their opportunities are the ones who are going to win the game."

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