Coach Robbie Deans is impressed with what his Wallabies have achieved in their relatively short time together but he's preparing for bigger and better in 2009.

Deans issued a clear warning on Friday that players would have to perform for their Super 14 franchises to ensure a look in when the Test season rolls around.

"I created my selection template the other day and it's blank," said Deans.

"It's a fresh start, it's a new year, I'll look at the rugby and we'll respond to what we see."

Deans believes the advances made by his 34-man man squad by the end of its tour to Europe late last year will be apparent in the Super 14.

And, when pressed, he's not afraid to say it's a "real possibility" Australia will finally win back the Bledisloe Cup from the All Blacks in 2009.

He's full of enthusiasm for his first full year at the helm, having only arrived after the Super 14 last year.

Despite the late start his Wallabies went within an unconverted try of a first Tri Nations title in seven years and notched wins over each of their biggest rivals - New Zealand, South Africa, England and France.

But Deans said what they learned together, especially on the European tour, far outweighed those strong results in importance.

"You know, I arrived at the eleventh hour last year, but despite that we were able to get underway and we created a foundation that we can use as a launch pad," said Deans.

"It was an enjoyable tour ... We were able to take a group which was a blend of the past and the future," said Deans, who blooded 13 rookies on tour."

Deans admitted the Wallabies still had some "baggage" to deal with - no doubt a reference to being unable to win several tight encounters.

"I'm really hopefully that we will see the benefit of the tour shortly in Super rugby, and in fact I'm very confident that we will," he said.

Deans makes no apologies for drawing from such a large pool of players to keep up with the demands of a busy international schedule.

"We took 34 (on tour), we used them all and while that seems like a large number, the reality is we need to build that many that we have faith in, and who believe in themselves and know that they can put in at that level," he said.

"... We've learned over time experience is valuable, but experience where there is still enthusiasm is more valuable, I believe.

"It's not ideal to thrash the same people time and time again and think you're going to get the same performance."

The Wallabies kick off their second season under Deans against the Barbarians in June in Sydney, then they'll play two Tests against Italy, and a one-off Test against France, who Deans is confident will send at full strength side this time.

"The Barbarians game will be a point of interest, they're going to have a pretty strong line-up if they're successful in appealing to the blokes who are available.

"It would be good... if they can appeal to players of interest to this market like (Mark) Gasnier and Sonny Bill (Williams).

"Obviously the French will be keen to redress the recent history and they're sending their top line, guaranteed."

The Tri Nations kick off for Australia in July with a Test against the All Blacks at Eden Park in Auckland, then it's on to Cape Town to play South Africa three weeks later.

"Both away games will be challenging, but what a better way to start," Deans said with a smile.

"If we can prepare well and start well then it gets us off to a flyer."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP