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If you doubt Wallaby coach Robbie Deans’ steely resolve, and strength of character, shake his hand.
Once he releases his vice-like grip, you count your fingers.
Many Roarers rate Deans as some sort of shrinking violet, which is way way out of court.
Yesterday at a media conference in Sydney where the 25-strong Wallaby squad gathered for the first day of their three-week preparation for the three-Test series against the Lions, Deans showed his steely resolve and strength of character.
Having already lost David Pocock (knee) and Tatafa Polota-Nau (broken arm) for the series, and probably George Smith (knee) as well, Deans was asked about the mounting injury toll so close to the first Test against the Lions on June 22 at Suncorp, Deans said – “I gave up (worrying about injuries) a long time ago, you just roll with the circumstances, and make the most of it”.
Deans reacted quickly on Saturday, replacing Scott Higginbotham (dislocated shoulder), Sitaleki Timani (suspected broken thumb) and Digby Ioane (knee surgery) with Waratah lock Kane Douglas, Force backrower Ben McCalman, and Rebels half-back Nick Phipps.
Deans also advised Kurtley Beale would train with the squad this week, and Nic White will train on Tuesday.
Deans wouldn’t be drawn into the significance of Beale’s invitation, except to say it was part of his on-going rehab for alcohol related issues.
Beale played the full 80 minutes for Randwick against Sydney Uni last Saturday, and came through unscathed. And that was his only chance to force his way into the final six squad members to be named on June 11.
White’s invitation suggest he’s in line for a backup half-back spot after Will Genia, and Phipps, as part of the last six.
There’s no doubting Deans is the undisputed boss. He will answer your questions, but only tell you enough to appease, keeping the real answer up his sleeve.
He wouldn’t be drawn into comparing the most discussed head-to-head between Quade Cooper and James O’Connor last Saturday night.
On Cooper – “Quade did some very good things and he did some things he wouldn’t be so pleased about as well”.
Translate – the two charged down clearances that resulted in gift-wrapping 14 points for the Rebels was obviously part of the latter quote.
On O’Connor – “It wasn’t a complete performance”.
Translate – he was well-short of match-play after two weeks off with a sternum injury, missing the history-making first time Rebel wins over the Stormers and Waratahs.
That leaves Cooper with only next Saturday’s Queensland clash with the Lions at Suncorp as his last hurrah to make the final six. But he won’t have Will Genia who is in Wallaby camp.
The make-up of the final six was another question Deans side-stepped.
“Naming the last six will be even more difficult that selecting the original 25,” he said with a smile.
Translate – he has his ideas, but will only let them loose on June 11.
He will be at the Brumbies-Rebels game in Canberra on Friday night when former Wallaby-Waratah half-back Luke Burgess makes his comeback in Australia for the Rebels against Nic White.
Hopefully White’s invitation to train with the squad tomorrow closes the door on a possible Burgess return to Wallaby status. Fans will long remember his pedestrian rugby before he left for Toulouse.
And Deans will also be at the Queensland-Lions game on Saturday night watching Quade Cooper to keep the on-going saga alive and well.
So how did I read Robbie Deans’ performance at the low-key media conference yesterday?
Buoyant.