Deans linked to Wallabies job

SYDNEY - Crusaders' architect Robbie Deans, the most successful coach in Super 12 rugby history, has been surprisingly linked to the Wallabies' top job.

The former All Blacks assistant to John Mitchell is reportedly a shock contender to succeed Eddie Jones as Australian coach, although veteran Queensland mentor John Connolly is considered the hot favourite to guide the Wallabies to next year's World Cup.

The Daily Telegraph reported yesterday that Deans, who guided the Crusaders to three Super 12 titles, was a possible hurdle to Connolly's aim of coaching the Wallabies 11 years after he was overlooked for the late Greg Smith.

The Telegraph said Deans had been discussed as an option at the Australian Rugby Union despite the organisation favouring a home-grown candidate to succeed Jones.

ARU managing director Gary Flowers confirmed foreigners would be considered after New South Wales Waratahs coach Ewen McKenzie declined to apply before Friday's deadline.

"We will look at overseas coaches. We're casting the net broadly," Flowers said after McKenzie's surprise decision to stick with the Waratahs.

"This is a very important job. We want someone who has incredibly high standards and we're very keen to get the very best person. At this stage we haven't excluded anybody."

Crusaders spokeswoman Joanne Perry said Deans was contracted to the New Zealand Rugby Union and was focusing on coaching the team for this year's Super 14 competition.

In another twist Jones, who was dumped in December after a dismal season which saw the Wallabies endure a seven-match losing streak and a winless Tri-Nations series, was said to be poised to win the Queensland job.

Queensland Rugby Union has already told incumbent coach Jeff Miller he will not be required for the 2007 season.

- NZPA