The Wallabies coach Robbie Deans still has some worries about Australia's depth, but expects his investment in youth to pay-off in a defining period heading into next year's Rugby World Cup.
While Deans has experienced mixed results in his first two years in charge, he has increased the depth of his playing pool by blooding numerous youngsters in that time.
The emergence of players like Queensland halves Will Genia and Quade Cooper, Brumbies prop Ben Alexander and the Force flanker David Pocock and a last-start win over Wales has given Deans cause for optimism heading into this year.
Deans says Australia got a lot out of 2009, with the two midweek fixtures on the Spring Tour offering valuable opportunities and exposure to more emerging players.
He's hoping for some more midweek matches on the 2010 Tour which he says will be part of probably the biggest and best Wallabies schedule during his time.
