Controversial scrumhalf Jimmy Cowan finally got a chance to let his rugby do the talking with a standout role in the All Blacks' 39-10 demolition of the Wallabies in Auckland.

Having kept his place with the All Blacks despite his off-field antics, Cowan made the most of a rare start to help re-ignite both the backline and the All Blacks themselves as they bounced back from last week's Bledisloe Cup and Tri-Nations shocker in Sydney.

"It's step one for me...it's an ongoing process," said Cowan.

"I have to just keep looking forward down the track and taking it one step at a time. Those things [alcohol-related misdemeanors] aren't behind me - I'm still going through the process.

"I've just got to keep going about my things and play good footy and let my rugby do the talking."

Cowan earned high praise from both his coach Graham Henry as well as backs coach Wayne Smith for his sterling work at Eden Park.

Feeding off a fine forward effort, Cowan's crisp delivery and opportunist kicking kept the All Blacks going forward as they secured an attacking bonus point for the first time.

"For what Jimmy has gone through this year and the last couple of months, plus the injury on top of that, he showed amazing amount of guts and what it meant to him to be in the jersey," said Smith.

"He executed the game plan well along with Daniel [Carter]," he added.

Cowan was grateful for the opportunity, taking over from the injured Andy Ellis - leaving plenty to think about in terms of who will start against the Springboks in Cape Town.

With Cowan's terrier spirit, he was dynamic on defence, and his desire to run kept asking questions of the Wallabies defence.

"My last start was in Rustenburg, it's something I really cherish tonight.

"It was probably a big moment for me. Two losses for this lot...we have had a lot of pressure throughout the week and to come out and have a good win is great," Cowan added.

AFP