''Obviously we'll be as thorough as we can in helping Rocky through that process and we'll live with the choices that are made,'' Deans said.

Barnes's absence offers the intriguing possibility of a first Test start for rugby league convert Timana Tahu, who played the final 20minutes at inside centre and impressed Deans in the process.

''He did superbly,'' the coach said. ''It wasn't an easy situation to go into but he certainly relished the opportunity, he's been waiting for it. He'll be much better for it.''

An eight-year drought on South African soil they may have broken, but the Wallabies are already turning their attention to Ellis Park, where they haven't won since 1963.

Altitude, hostile crowds and the confronting sights of the ground's impoverished surrounding suburbs have all been blamed for Australia's lack of success in Johannesburg, but Deans said it was vital the Wallabies took another step forward.

''The key now is can we back up and there'll be many who would suggest we can't,'' he said. ''The history would suggest that also but we'll get a great opportunity to do that this week and that's what we'll concentrate on. We know that we have to do better next week but we want to be better and we want to back up because it's something that we haven't done.''

Australia played a composed game in the three-tries-to-two win, withstanding a brutal early assault from the desperate Springboks as well as the threat of a late comeback. AAP