Under fire coach Robbie Deans must stay in position as the Wallabies coach regardless of what happens in the second and third Tests against the Lions or the upcoming four nations Rugby Championship series.
It’s too close to the next World Cup, 2015, to do anything else. If the ARU didn’t think he was up to the job, then they’d have got rid of him after the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
But he’s still there, win, lose or draw.
You can’t go changing horses midstream.
I gather Sir Graham Henry talked himself past the New Zealand board after 2003, pointing out the All Blacks’ lack of penalty decisions from Wayne Barnes in their elimination match against France. Armed with the match-video, Sir Graham was granted another go. Good call, New Zealand.
Perhaps Robbie Deans did the same after the Australia v New Zealand semi-final.
Incidently, looking back, I see that this match was controlled by whistle-blower Craig Joubert, on his way to refereeing the final somewhat controversially. I can’t remember too much about that semi-final, except that the early scoring flattered to deceive that a ‘classic’ could be on the cards.
Still, it’s not a bad tournament to get to the semis. Beat Italy and South Africa, lost to Ireland and New Zealand. Not bad, but not great. Enough to work on, though, if you’re going to talk yourself into a job for the next four years.
So, let’s say the Wallabies lose to the Lions in the second Test. ‘Well it’s a rebuilt backline. We were devastated by injuries. The refs were against us. We were unlucky.’
This would mean the third Test would be a dead rubber, a meaningless match in which we’ll be playing for pride.
And, possibly, making a case for the next Lions £100 million bonanza coming Australia’s way in 12 years time.
Or, let’s say the Wallabies win versus the Lions in the second Test and lose the third. ‘Well it’s a rebuilt backline. We were devastated by injuries. The refs were against us. We were unlucky.’
Or, let’s say the Wallabies win versus the Lions in the second Test and also win the third. ‘Deans is a God.’ ‘A golden future lies ahead.’ ‘What a bunch of heroes.’
Anyway you look at it, Deans stays.
Next up, the Rugby Championship and pretty much the same scenario. Autumn internationals, the matches against whoever tours in 2014, 2014 Rugby Championship, 2015 Autumn internationals. World Cup warm-ups.
Maybe 20 internationals to be played in total before the World Cup 2015. Not enough to get a new coach in, have him (or her) establish a game-plan, personnel and a rapport with officials and fans.
There is only enough time for the current coach to bed in his newcomers, wheedle out the deadwood and build that 600-cap side to go into a World Cup planning to win it.
How bad would it have to get before Deans resigned off his own bat? 0-3 v the Lions? 0-6 in the Rugby Championship? Strewth, someone would murder Deans before he threw the towel in.
Where can you draw the line? I don’t think you can. I think, these days, once you appoint someone after a Rugby World Cup, then they’re in place for the next four years, come what may.
Even slipping down the IRB Rankings is irrelevant after the Rugby World Cup seeding has taken place, and since that was done last November, it’s Autumn 2016 before that matters again.
So, the earliest opportunity for ejection is 2015, after the World Cup.
Robbie Deans is here to stay.
30 mm Tags
Guest
Thats the boy, stick with the plan. One off the ruck keep it going up the middle all day.Flankers to play in the centres when we could move the wingers in one . Then lets put a winger into 5/8 just to show we are adventurous. Thank the lord for Genia. Then lets leave Kimlin out when he's at his peak. Then lets put Tomane on the wing. Leave out Mogg , so versatile , back up kicker, superb pace and magnificent wide pass and a smarter player. etc. Do we have to go on. Robbie you have had your turn and its not what it could have been.
Rugby Fan
Guest
Yeah I was actually just referring to the world cups he coached, but not worded clearly enough. Thanks for picking that up.
richard
Guest
Sorry to have to correct you,but G.Henry was AB coach from 2004-11.You may want to follow your own advice ( as to getting your facts straight).
Rugby Fan
Guest
GAVIN, GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT... I think your suggestion that Deans remain as coach is based on flawed information. 1. You point out that Deans was reappointed after the 2011 RWC. He was actually re-signed prior to the RWC with a 2013 end date. This was based on the assumption that if Deans did well in the competition, he would be in even greater demand. This too was flawed thinking. 2. Your assumption that incumbency gives the coach the best chance to achieve results is seriously flawed. Ewan McKenzie took over the Reds in 2010 and won the comp in 2011. He has the ability, the desire, and an alternate game strategy. If Deans is not meeting the mark, there is a viable alternative. A change in coach can be the catalyst to get results, especially when the new coach is so well respected. 3. You mention Sir Graham as the coach of the ABs in 2003. It was actually John Mitchell. Henry was 2007 to 2011. A few simple things here Gavin, but if you are going ot build an arguement (as a journalist), you really should get your facts straight.
BigRed
Guest
This whole discussion is a game of perceptions. It seems to me that to be a winning coach you must have a mix of communication skills, man management, tactical/technical rugby skills, respect from the players, "bloody thick skin", a long term approach to playing style, ability to navigate rugby politics, and, determination to win NOW whilst building team for future. In the mix of these skills all the coaches mnetioned have relative strengths and weaknesses. I am no Deans fan as my perceptions are - poor communication skills, not respected by players and I personally don't like the style of rugby he seems to direct towards. As for other names mentioned above, my perceptions - Eddie Jones - please no, poor interpersonal communication skills, questionable man management ability, certainly a good rugby thinker. White - polished performer but game plan is too sth african in style - too much kicking, too boring (even though I am a Brumbies supporter). Seems to go some way to unleashing talent but somehow seems to keep things in check. His rugby style just seems a little too controlled/conservative for mine. Ewan McKenzie - did a great job rebuilding Reds, worry about his objectivity in picking on form. Seems to me to have favorites that he is too wedded to, like Deans. No one in this discussion has talked about Cheika . I admit it seems too early to call and I am NOT a NSW supporter but I really like: 1. picks on form not reputation (Ben Robinson and Drew Mitchell's games improved dramatically after being dropped) 2. appears to pull no punches with the players, everyone seems to know his expectations and impact of non compliance (no more 4am outings in game week) 3. looks to me like he is respected by players. He seems to have turned around a toxic environment. Still more to do me thinks. 4. politics in NSW Rugby are legendary and he seems to have negotiated these waters well so far (looking from the outside) Concerns with Cheika - does he have enough coaching experience to get promoted to national level, does he have the political nous to be successful, can he build a winning culture? Too early to tell yet. Clearly now is too early for Cheika but I really like his no nonsense approach to both the game and the players. For mine it has to be McKenzie for now, preferably straight after BIL series.
Wobbly
Guest
No fricken way
Katipo - Wallaby supporter
Guest
@Anon69 Tri nations, cook cup, Mandela plate etc. Deans has the best record against South Africa of all coaches in international rugby. The main trophy he hasn't got as Aussie coach is the Bledisloe Cup which the AB's have held since they won it when Robbie Deans was the assistant AB coach. In fact he won the Bledisloe as both a player and a coach. He knows more about winning it than you or I do. I do think this article is a wind up though. Just trying to get everyone to bite. If the Lions win 3-0 he will offer his resignation.
Cattledog
Roar Guru
No Rob G, that's incorrect. He would be hailed a miracle worker if he won all games. I would also submit an extension would be warranted if he won 2/3. The likelihood though, on current performance, is extremely low and we should really have a change. Mind you, that should have happened about 3 years ago.
Rob G
Guest
I think we need to win 2 trophies out of lions, bledisloe and Rugby championship. With 2/3 it would be hard to argue against giving RD the reins until the RWC. Mind you it he won 3/3 and won every game in the next 2 years the Queenslanders would still be saying that mckenZies 62% winning record at super rugby was better.
AussieBob
Guest
Between players all of a sudden losing their ability to perform the basics and injuries Dean's has been pushing it up hill. The biggest factor contributing to a lack of WB success in the last 5 years has been continuity in the starting 15, conversely this has been the single biggest factor in the ABs success.
Defier Pariah
Guest
Just get the best coach no matter where he comes from. I for one think that our best options may come from overseas. The only domestic option is McKenzie and I really think that would be a mistake.
Kane
Roar Guru
My mistake I just had another look and it was the Auckland test. If Aus had won that by 1-15 and all other results stayed the same they would have been no1 on the 25th August 2008 for the first time ever. If Aus had won that by 16+ and all other results stayed the same they would have been no1 on the 18th August 2008 for the first time ever.
Wal
Roar Guru
2 Points Deans didn't take over after 2001 it was after 2007 when Gregan was always running sideways, The Scrum was an embarrassment, and Mortlock etc were nearing the end of their careers, 2001 the team consisted of John Eales George Smith Stephen Larkham Jo Roff Gregan (At his peak) Chris Latham T Kefu O Finegan David Giffen Brendon Canon Not a bad mix of mongrel and class in that team. and they still only managed 6 wins from 11 matches.
GWS
Guest
something new please anything...
GWS
Guest
:)
GWS
Guest
yeah I like the sound of Cheika but some of his signings i'm not so sure of. I wish him well but not the tahs. The nswru represent all that is wrong with oz rugby. I find myself for the first time in my life indifferent to the wbs.i cannot support the poms but I no longer care if the wbs win as that means more of deans drivel. I would rather watch cooper lose than deans win.
Jiggles
Roar Guru
It stinks of jobs for the boys and a lack of due process though, I don't care how well he has done to date.
Dobbie Reans
Guest
I'm glad someone agrees
Wardad
Guest
What is he insinuating about the WC semi ? that the wallies were hard done by ? Did Joubet kick the ball out on the full at the start of play did he ?
fred
Guest
Touche Dobbie. Well said.