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Wrong man in the wrong job at the wrong place and the wrong time.
That seems to be the reaction in New Zealand after it was confirmed former All Black Robbie Deans had quit as Wallabies coach on Tuesday.
During his five years as Australia’s mentor, Deans’ stock has fallen significantly in his homeland and his time across the Tasman is being overwhelmingly viewed as a failure.
While issues such as poor off-field discipline and injuries had their impact, others have argued Deans’ selections and coaching style had proved his undoing.
It’s also believed Deans was never fully accepted by his players or the Australian rugby public following his appointment as the Wallabies’ first foreign-born coach in December, 2007.
“He has found many ways to deserve the boot,” New Zealand Herald columnist Chris Rattue wrote.
“The consistent theme to the Deans era is that there hasn’t been one.
“Rare steps forward were followed by shuffles sideways or leaps backwards … Deans’ aura has taken a battering.
“(Saturday’s) result mirrored the rest of the maddening, confusing Robbie Deans reign.
“Truth be told – and this is from one of his staunchest supporters – he should have been cut some time ago.”
It appears unlikely Deans will find solace, or employment, back in New Zealand, after falling out with many following the New Zealand Rugby Union’s decision to overlook him for the All Blacks coaching job after the 2007 World Cup.
The man who retained that role, Graham Henry, would go on to justify the decision by winning the 2011 World Cup while Deans could manage just three wins from 18 Tests against New Zealand during his reign.
Experienced rugby writer Phil Gifford told TVNZ Deans had actually done all he could with the Wallabies and it was his nationality which had been his downfall.
Gifford said his fellow Cantabrian’s 58 per cent winning record at the helm was “about par” for the Wallabies.
“Emotionally, I’d imagine he’d be really devastated,” Gifford said.
“He’s a pretty resilient character; I wouldn’t expect him to stay down very long.”
Most think Deans will head to Europe as the next step in his coaching career, with his outstanding Super Rugby record prior to taking on the Australian job ensuring plenty of demand.
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.