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Australia coach Robbie Deans has threatened to wield the axe after the Wallabies were thrashed 33-6 by New Zealand in the final round of the Tri-Nations.

A furious Deans launched a stinging criticism of the players after they conceded two late tries at Wellington in their worst performance of an already disappointing season to finish at the bottom of the standings.

"Clearly the last 10 (minutes) was unacceptable," Deans said. "Obviously the All Blacks were in a circumstance where they wanted to avert history ... and they showed that.

"Whereas our group - and I'm part of it - we didn't show the same pride in the jersey."

Deans did not identify which players were at risk of losing their places in the side but said changes would be made for the end-of-season tour to Japan, Britain and Ireland.

The New Zealander has been trying to bolster the team's playing depth by blooding new players over the past two seasons but hinted he may have to go back to older, more-experienced players.

"There will be some who get an opportunity," he said. "The reality is there's not an endless supply of international players and this group has to step up to be international players routinely, not occasionally, that's our challenge.

"Age doesn't really matter, you're either up for it or you're not and we're a couple of volunteers short, consistently."

The Australians also came under fierce attack from former players with 1991 World Cup winning captain Nick Farr-Jones calling for wholesale changes.

"One of the great things Deans is doing behind the scenes is building a great team spirit," Farr-Jones told Sky Sports television. "I think it is probably time he reads the riot act a little bit.

"This might be the wake-up call where (Deans) basically says 'Enough is enough'. You've got to perform, you're professional players, we expect you to perform'."

Australian newspapers were even more scathing in their assessment of the Wallabies.

"For the umpteenth time this season, this was a hopeless, unforgivable Australian performance," the Sun-Herald's chief rugby reporter wrote.

"Everyone, including coach Robbie Deans, who strangely veered away from using attacking replacements when several players had clearly lost the plot, must take the blame for another disgraceful night."

Reuters