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Deans backs Cheika as Wallabies coach

21st October, 2014
8

Robbie Deans has endorsed Michael Cheika as the Wallabies’ coach-in-waiting.

Fifteen months after ending his five-year reign as Wallabies coach, Deans on Tuesday said Cheika was the man to revive the side’s flagging fortunes following Ewen McKenzie’s shock resignation on Saturday.

Cheika is considered a fait accompli to be appointed as McKenzie’s replacement on Wednesday, having reportedly agreed to a three-year deal.

Deans said Cheika had shown by leading the NSW Waratahs to their drought-breaking first Super Rugby championship this year that he had the credentials and personality needed to fire the Wallabies up.

“He doesn’t get distracted by the politics and I think that’ll be an asset,” Deans said in his native New Zealand, where he was promoting his book Red, Black & Gold on Tuesday.

“He might have to adapt some of his off-field antics. Cheik’s very much an ambush merchant. His flame burns hot so he’ll get a lift out of the group, he’ll get a response.

“And that’s the nature of World Cup rugby – it is a one-off event and if they come through (their) pool (also featuring England, Wales and Fiji) effectively, they’re very well positioned.

“They’ve got the talent to win the next World Cup. That was evident in their last outing. They’ve won two World Cups and could be the first nation to win three.”

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Having left Australia last year disappointed by a perceived lack of support from senior Wallabies after having his ARU contract torn up, Deans expressed empathy for McKenzie, who suffered a similar plight.

“When the worm turns, so to speak, it’s challenging,” Deans said.

“If sentiment turns, it depends who drives the agenda and what their end in mind is.

“Having been over there and experienced the environment – it’s a tough, tenuous environment.

“It’s not good for the game to see them (the Wallabies) struggle.

“Hopefully they’ll respond constructively. It’s very important to New Zealand rugby that Australia is competitive and strong.”

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