That was not a gale force wind that hit the east coast last night - it was a huge sigh of relief from our new national coach, Robbie Deans.

Over the last few years, Australia's first game of the season has been a bit rusty, and last night in Melbourne was no different as some new faces played their first game in the Wallabies strip. Australia won the game 18-12 but I think most would agree that was the only place where we won.

Ireland enjoyed good field position and I think even forwards coach Michael Foley would agree the Irish forwards took a points victory after they took Australia by surprise in much the same way as England shocked the All Blacks an hour or two earlier last night. They were very strong at the breakdown.

Ireland had a number of chances but they didn't capitalise on them.

Deans must view the win - as scratchy as it was - as a good result. He has spent the last two weeks in camp getting to know the players but nothing gives you an insight into a team quite like watching them play.

There'll be a number of questions asked about the Wallabies after last night: Will the backline combination need to change? Should Matt Dunning stay at tighthead or move to loosehead prop? Should Ryan Cross play in the next Test against France?

One thing that was obvious was the change in Australia's defensive pattern. Over the past few years under defensive coach John Muggleton Australia employed an up and out defence. Last night they used an umbrella defence and while they were exposed out wide, it is a matter of accepting some things will take time.

Matt Giteau proved he is Australia's best player and of the debutants, Peter Hynes and Luke Burgess will get another go and James Horwill was superb.

One great characteristic that Deans will value is that in the end Australia won because they showed plenty of resolve. He will also know there's a lot of improvement in the team.