Wallaby coach Robbie Deans doesn't mind a bit of tension in his team, even if that tension appears to be between himself and some senior players.

Despite protestations to the contrary, and all kinds of declarations about unilateral support for all, Deans insisting that there was nothing wrong with a bit of tension in the ranks.

"I hope there is some [tension] because there's going to be, in terms of the challenge that we're going in to," Deans told the media, as he continued his stated intention of pushing his underperforming players out of their comfort zone in search of success.

"There's dynamics, there's chemistry, there's emotion and that's just par for the course and the reality for us is that we can't stay in our current comfort zone, so to speak, and also achieve [success].

"We're all going to be tested and we're all going to be taken outside our comfort zone over the next month. It's going to be great.

"The good thing now is that we're getting leadership across the group ... and that's what we're chasing, that's what we're seeking, everyone to take ownership of the collective performance.

"The critical thing was we're all in this together and it's not about leadership pertaining to a few, it's about what we all do and what we all bring to the table."

New leadership

Deans last week also pitted 43-squad hopefuls against each other in an internal trial match - challenging them to play for a place on the end of season tour.

He then announced a new leadership group, appointing Rocky Elsom captain, overlooking flyhalf Matt Giteau as his deputy and instead choosing the younger and less experienced Berrick Barnes.

Deans then went a step further by stating he wants to see his players "take ownership for the collective performance" in a Test match.

This all came as senior team members attempted to persuade the public all was well in the Wallabies camp.

There were plenty of sideways glances and shuffling of feet when Deans and two players, Stirling Mortlock and Matt Giteau - each upset at either losing the captaincy or not being considered for a leadership role - fronted the media as the Wallabies went into camp in Sydney on Tuesday.

The body language gave it away. Giteau was edgy. Mortlock was more relaxed, and Deans was trying to put a lid on it all by making the right sounds. Even if the smoke billowing from the peace pipe was stifling, it wasn't exactly hugs and kisses all round.

Still, the message got through that, though the players had been disappointed over a number of issues, including Giteau and Berrick Barnes switching places in the back line, with a five-Test northern hemisphere tour looming, it was time to move on. Group photographs of the trio at the end of the media conference were an indication that the healing process was about to begin.

Deans did not seem overly upset that so much dirty linen - including that his relationship with Giteau has become somewhat frayed - has been aired in recent days. Like many coaches used to success, Deans prefers to see his players on edge, especially those who have recently become too accustomed to losing.

Mortlock fronts up

Mortlock indicated the confusion might have been his fault.

''There was a slight misunderstanding on my behalf from the communications that myself and Robbie had,'' he said.

He added that even though he was ''really keen'' to continue as Wallabies captain, he ''totally understood the logic and reasoning behind selecting a new captain in Rocky, and building from here to the 2011 World Cup. He [Elsom] is a natural leader, and it is the right way forward for this group.''

Giteau revealed some of his feelings when he revealed he had been eyeing a promotion by at least being offered the vice-captaincy ahead of Barnes. '

'I was a little disappointed, because if you talk to any player within the squad, at some point they would like some kind of leadership role,'' Giteau said. ''From that point of view, I was disappointed - but I am fully supportive of the guys, the coach and [ARU chief executive] John O'Neill have appointed.

''Everyone has a lot of respect for Rocky. I'm happy for Rocky that he has got his opportunity. He is less of a talker and more of a leader. He has said before that he leads with his action. And that's what I'm sure he will do.''

And to the question of him losing his No.10 spot to Barnes. Did Giteau still want to control the back line?

''It depends on how we are going to play ? that is something we have to sit down and work out,'' Giteau replied. ''We'll just have to wait and see.''