Australia went from possible World Cup champions to Tri-Nations chumps in a matter of two weeks and Wallaby coach Robbie Deans wasted no time in expressing his disapproval of his team's 6-33 capitulation against the All Blacks in Wellington on Saturday.

Australia, fresh from victory over the world's number one team, South Africa, were expected to challenge the All Blacks across the field.

However, after an even opening half - with New Zealand just leading 16-6 at the break - they were outplayed as the game progressed.

And going into the final quarter that lead was just 19-6, before two late tries saw the margin blow out to 27 points.

"This young group took a step [beating South Africa] and they have now experienced both extremes," Deans told the media after his team's loss in Wellington.

"The disappointing thing for us was that we had been competitive throughout until the last 10 minutes, essentially when the game went out of our reach and how damaging that is will depend on the response."

The Wallabies were beaten in all areas of the park and Deans wasn't shying away from that, massively disappointed after his side had turned from champs to chumps in the space of two weeks following their win over the Springboks.

"They played well two weeks ago and they possibly got a bit ahead of themselves [tonight]."

Deans was most disappointed with the way his side appeared to throw in the towel after they had been frustrated by the All Blacks in their attempt to get back into the game.

When Ma'a Nonu scored New Zealand's second try inside the final 10 minutes the white flag went up.

"After the All Blacks scored we rolled over and that was disappointing,'' Deans said.

Deans said it was another big lesson for his side, who he felt had lacked intensity, especially at the breakdowns.

"The margins are small in Test rugby and as we alluded to prior to the game. You have to earn your stripes in every outing - we were looking for the next job when the first job hadn't been done."

Deans was still able to be gracious in defeat.

"The All Blacks were hugely desperate, they played very well. We had a lot of hope but not a lot of intensity against an All Blacks side that was under the pump and didn't want to be the first side to lose three matches at home.

"But the most disappointing thing from our position was we capitulated when the game was gone."