Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has resisted the temptation to hit back at Nick Farr-Jones for doubting whether the team had the mental fortitude to beat the All Blacks.
Earlier this week, former skipper Farr-Jones said he no longer followed the Test side as closely as he once did and questioned if they had enough belief and confidence in their own ability to prevail in the third Bledisloe Cup Test.
The evidence from Saturday night's 23-18 victory over New Zealand suggests they do, with Australia closing out the match with a gritty defensive display to end their seven-game trans-Tasman losing streak.
But Cheika did not bite back when reminded of Farr-Jones' comments on Sunday morning.
"Like I've always said, everyone's allowed their opinion," he told reporters.
"I suppose it hurts a little bit, the players in the team (when) a former Australian captain casts doubt on players who wear the gold jersey.
"But I've got maximum respect for Nick Farr-Jones, he captained Australia in the World Cup, the grand slam and all the stuff he's achieved ... you'll never hear us saying a bad word about any of our ex-Wallabies."
Cheika said one of the most pleasing aspects of the result was what it would do for long-suffering supporters.
It has largely been a year to forget for Australian rugby but Cheika said it was "inspiring" to see a crowd of 45,107 brave constant rain in Brisbane to watch a dead-rubber contest.
"I'm very realistic, it's one win, it was hard-earned," he said.
"I'm really pleased in particular for the fans. I'm not just saying that.
"The ups and downs of the game, that's what rugby's about and to give them that type of enjoyment afterwards... as the national team, we're trying to unite everyone in the code when we turn up to play.
"We'll enjoy it for what it is, and then continue on with what we've got to do."
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