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.”
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.”
All Bent Out of Shape
Guest
Whatever. Looks like you hate Deans. Well done.
Crystal Ball
Guest
Deans was a class act but he just didn't manage to get the best out of the players and the bottom line was a misfiring team. After five long years I was glad to see the end of him, am also glad to farewell EM, personally I thought he would have fought for his job regardless of his percieved phantoms. Thank God we now have a coach who speaks his mind is openly passionate about the game and he obviously has man management skills because he obviously tamed KB and got the best out of him. Hope he identifies the factions within the group and lays them to rest and this very talented group of young men can get on with the business of playing rugby. Kyle Godwins and McMahons inclusion are fantastic for the future of the game, thought they were going to do a SBW and include Carmichael Hunt in the squad, hope Cheika can identify young Luke Jones as a future number eight and coach him into the position. Can't wait to watch the spring tour matches, awaiting KB verdict with interest as this will be a defining moment for ARU, I wonder if respect for women in the workplace will influence their decision making or will it be all about, he's a great player and we need him for RWC?
Paul
Guest
Well, the wheels turn as one who played a big role in undermining him was then undermined himself when he took over. I hope Cheika does well. We need a coach who got the job on his merits, not by pushing an agenda and white anting a good coach purely because he was a kiwi.
jutsie
Guest
some more great analysis from deans about what is wrong with aus rugby culture http://www.canberratimes.com.au/rugby-union/australia-rugby/celebrityoriented-culture-hurts-wallabies-says-robbie-deans-20141021-119pdk.html
Wag
Guest
Irrespective of his coaching, Deans is a gentleman. I totally agree with the comments of Buk & TahDan. He has shown a dignity that many connected with the ARU have not shown, and he did work very hard behind the scenes to improve Australian Rugby. (I am not a Kiwi). Maybe it was time for a change of coaches, but the way in which Deans was undermined, prior to his sacking, was nothing short of disgraceful. Yet he exited quietly, and now still believes in the Wallabies and the need for them to be a strong competitive team for the sake of world rugby.
TahDan
Roar Guru
Deans is pure class. He copped so much crap from the media on the most ridiculous notion that his NZ heritage was what was stopping us from beating the All Blacks, but he worked his arse off behind the scenes helping develop Australian rugby at the grass roots level. He has a strong belief that a strong Australia is good for NZ and rugby in general and actually wants us to do well. I thought it was telling that he said coaching the Blues against the Crusaders would be much harder than he found coaching the Wallabies against the All Blacks.
Buk
Guest
The thing that stands out for me is that Deans could easily have taken a swipe at Australian rugby, but instead has come out with some positives - he seems to be interested in the success of the Wallabies. And pretty obviously not doing it because he is aiming at a coaching job.
Garry Edwards
Guest
Well gee hey! Does anybody really want to respond to what Mr Deans has to say afterall he's spruiking the obvious but then he's always been good at that I mean he's so perceptive isn't he what with Wallaby team selection and all the entanglements, politics etc. etc. etc. Be gone! Anyway guess who's house is for sale at Coogee?