Deans wants to end "ridiculous" Bledisloe drought

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has echoed the comments of Australian Rugby Union chief executive John O'Neill, saying that it was "ridiculous" that the All Blacks were on the verge of a decade long Bledisloe Cup run.

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O'Nill earlier this year said winning the Bledisloe Cup was the highest priority, and Deans backed this up by saying it was imperative the Wallabies win the symbol of trans-Tasman supremacy.

Deans told the Daily Telegraph they needed to win back a Cup they haven't held since 2002, with the irony being that Deans was on the All Blacks coaching team that claimed it in 2003.

“It is the most prized piece of silverware available this year," Deans said.

“We haven’t had it since 2002, we haven’t won it since 1998. It is a ridiculous stat and obviously it is one we would like to change.’’

While the All Blacks hold the Bledisloe, and added the World Cup to their trophy cabinet last season, the Wallabies were bullish about their chances.

“We made a start last year around outcomes, if you like. Around, believe it or not, greater consistency. Sure there are outcomes we didn’t win but in terms of consistency we retained our second (ranking) status, and it is the same crew ahead of us,’’ he said.

“We have beaten them twice in the last four outings, but it’s not enough.’’

Deans will pick his first Wallabies squad on May 28, naming an extended 34-man group.

They open their campaign against Scotland on June 5.