Williams leads Australia in Deane's absence

Former Munster forwards coach Jim Williams has been thrust into the temporary role of head coach for Australia's preparations to tackle South Africa in the Tri-Nations on Saturday as Robbie Deans is absent due to the death of his father, Tony, in Christchurch last Friday.

"It has been a little hiccough not having Robbie here," said Williams.

"But the management and players have pulled together, we have a smooth routine in Test week and not much has changed. We've had good preparation, there's been a good vibe and the intensity has been there, which is good to have.

"It's been good to bring some physicality to training. The aggression in training is good to a certain level. We've had a good vibe at training and in my coaching experience having that physicality in the build-up is a good thing. That bodes well for the weekend."