Wallabies coach Robbie Deans still has some worries about Australia's depth, but expects his huge investment in youth to pay-off in a defining period heading into next year's Rugby World Cup.

While the New Zealander has experienced mixed results in his first two years in charge, he has increased the depth of his playing pool by blooding numerous youngsters in that time.

The emergence of players like Queensland halves Will Genia and Quade Cooper, Brumbies prop Ben Alexander and the Force flanker David Pocock and a thumping last-start win over Wales has given Deans cause for optimism heading into this year.

"We will get the benefit of the opportunity that some of these young blokes have had and I think that's what was so exciting about the (Reds) performance last weekend in Brisbane," Deans said.

"Some of those blokes who have been exposed to international rugby showed the benefit of that exposure and no doubt that will add to their experience and belief and that's what we need.

"They are showing that they want to do more than just be there, they are now wanting to definitely drive team performances and drive outcomes as oppose to just being part of it."

Deans said Australia "got a lot out of 2009," with the two midweek fixtures on the Spring Tour offering valuable opportunities and exposure to more emerging players.

The Wallabies coach was hoping for some more midweek matches on the 2010 Tour which he said would be part of probably the "biggest and best" Wallabies schedule during his time.

In addition to the usual inbound Test and half a dozen Tri-nations clashes, Australia will again embark on a Spring Tour which is likely to include a fourth Bledisloe Cup match in Asia in addition to several Test and midweek fixtures in the Northern Hemisphere.

With the expanded Super 15 stretching into July, Deans realises he will have precious few opportunities to blood World Cup bolters in 2011.

"This year is going to be a defining period of time in terms of what's coming and the World Cup," Deans said on Tuesday.

"Because next year is a full Super rugby program that goes to mid to late July and there will be essentially four Tri-Nations Tests and the World Cup so that makes this year even more important."

While stopping short of predicting Australia could win the 2010 Tri-Nations, Deans stressed any of the three great rivals was capable of finishing top.

Asked what would constitute a successful year in 2010, Deans said "obviously more wins and more depth. We still have some areas of vulnerability around our depth."

Deans stressed depth was still shallow in some positions especially the second row.

However he was optimistic that Queensland's James Horwill, the one established lock to go on last year's Spring Tour, would come back better than ever after suffering a knee injury that will sideline him for up to nine months.

"The joint will probably be stronger than it was before, the experience of what he's going to go through will actually serve him well," Deans said of Horwill.

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