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Wallabies coach Robbie Deans talks to the team during the Wallabies Captain's run in Sydney on Friday, July 25, 2008. AAP Image/Jenny Evans
It’s fair to assume any other man in Robbie Deans’ position could be looking for a new job if Australia lose Saturday’s Tri-Nations dead rubber.
But Deans, easily the best man for the post following his amazing Super rugby success with the Crusaders, has little to worry about apart from building his young team towards the 2011 World Cup.
Even five straight defeats to the All Blacks, who passed him over for the job he most desired 20 months ago, hasn’t shaken his grip on the Wallabies coaching role.
In contrast, New Zealand’s coaching team of Graham Henry, Wayne Smith and particularly Steve Hansen are all under the pump.
A seventh straight year with the Bledisloe Cup hasn’t masked their worst season in 11 years with four losses from eight Tests.
Former greats such as Sean Fitzpatrick, Murray Pierce and Robin Brooke have fired telling shots, as well as past coach Laurie Mains who took aim at Hansen over the lack of improvement in their long-time weakness area, the lineout.
Asked at his media conference in Wellington on Friday what his thoughts were on the NZ coaching situation, Deans unsurprisingly showed his evasive skills.
“I don’t think about it a lot to be honest. I’m busy doing our job and our numbers don’t stack up as well,” he said.
The NZ media are genuinely surprised Deans remains safe despite his record.
Asked if there was more scrutiny across the Tasman, where rugby is easily the No.1 national past-time, or in Australia, his dry response drew laughs: “Both. And I get it both sides.
“You want the best all the time, that’s the reality,” he added.
“That’s part of the industry, it’s not about me, it’s about this group playing to their potential and maximising what they do and enjoying what they do and I think they’re trending in the right direction.”
With Australian Rugby Union supremo John O’Neill present at the press conference, Deans felt his men showed they were learning their painful lessons and heading in the right direction after the 21-6 win over South Africa in Brisbane.
“We got a confirmation of that two weeks ago and we don’t want that to dissipate on Saturday.”
ALL BLACKS VS WALLABIES
Overall: Played 158. NZ 108, Aust 45, drawn 5
In NZ: Played 72. NZ 53, Aust 18, drawn 1
In Wellington: NZ 12, Aust 6, drawn 1
Biggest Australian win (margin): 21 (28-7) in Sydney, 1999
Biggest NZ win (margin): 37 (43-6) in Wellington, 1996
Highest Australian winning score: 34 (34-19) in Sydney, 2008
Highest NZ winning score: 50 (50-21) in Sydney, 2003
Most matches: 29 – David Campese (Aust), 24 – Sean Fitzpatrick (NZ)
Most points: 202 – Andrew Mehrtens (NZ), 176 – Matt Burke (Aust)
Most tries: 8 – Christian Cullen, Doug Howlett, Ian Kirkpatrick (all NZ), David Campese (Aust)
Last five Tests: 2009: NZ 19-18 in Sydney, NZ 22-16 in Auckland. 2008: NZ 19-14 in Hong Kong, NZ 28-24 in Brisbane, NZ 39-10 in AucklandAustralia v New Zealand at Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Kick-off: 1735 AEST
Referee: Craig Joubert (RSA)
Centrebet: NZ $1.50, Aust $2.60Wallabies: James O’Connor, Lachie Turner, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Berrick Barnes, Drew Mitchell, Matt Giteau, Will Genia, George Smith (capt), David Pocock, Rocky Elsom, Mark Chisholm, James Horwill, Ben Alexander, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson. Res: Stephen Moore, Pek Cowan, Dean Mumm, Wycliff Palu, Luke Burgess, Quade Cooper, Peter Hynes
All Blacks: Mils Muliaina, Cory Jane, Isaia Toeava, Ma’a Nonu, Joe Rokocoko, Daniel Carter, Jimmy Cowan, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (capt), Adam Thomson, Tom Donnelly, Brad Thorn, Neemia Tialata, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock. Res: Aled de Malmanche, John Afoa, Jason Eaton, Rodney So’oialo, Brendon Leonard, Stephen Donald, Hosea Gear.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.