Deans was the mastermind behind the Christchurch-based Crusaders' record five Super rugby titles before joining the Wallabies in June as their first-ever foreign coach.

But he has been reticent to compare the two sides' playing styles until admitting he wasn't surprised to learn the English had noticed a definite Crusaders influence on the Wallabies.

"When I first started looking at them in the Tri Nations, there was a lot more kicking, a lot more kick and chase and their defensive strategy was different," England assistant coach John Wells said on the eve of Saturday's Cook Cup Test against Australia at Twickenham.

"The Crusaders pride themselves on their kicking strategy, so I suspect he has brought that over.

"Their breakdown skills have improved immeasurably - again a cast-off to his Crusader days.

"It is no surprise to find that some of the skills (Richie) McCaw and other Crusaders players do for New Zealand, you are now starting to see some of those skills being exhibited by Australian players." While Deans said his teams would always maintain a certain uniqueness and that moulding them into a successful unit required different approaches, his basic principles remain wherever he coaches.

"You've got to cut the cloth to fit," he said.

"But obviously you bring your philosophies with you. Just because you go to another level doesn't mean you have to change too many things." Unlike many other coaches, Deans did not insist on hand picking his support staff when he signed on for the Wallabies job.

The former All Blacks fullback and assistant coach is not one to surround himself with a massive entourage featuring everything from sports psychologists to masseuses and witch doctors.

He brought just two key personnel with him from New Zealand: trusted media manager Matt McIraith and analyst Andrew Sullivan, a back-room operator who helped the Crusaders to four Super rugby titles. Deans likes to keep things as simple as possible. As well as a shrewd rugby brain, one of his greatest strengths is his man-management skills.

He created a culture at the Crusaders where it was very much all for one and one for all, where the team physio is equally vital to the operation as the match-winning flyhalf.

Halfback Luke Burgess this week acknowledged Deans had created a similar environment within the Wallabies fold. Hence, why you will often hear the players talk of the "group", rather than the "team".

"We're growing with every experience," Burgess said. "Every week's exciting so we're enthusiastic.

"We understand we have to work hard and keep improving but I think one consistent thing that we've experienced this year is that everyone loves being around each other.

"We're enjoying every challenge, regardless of results specifically. We're really evolving as a team.

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