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PERTH - John Mitchell has no doubts Robbie Deans should get the job as the next All Blacks rugby coach.
Though the Western Force coach would not be will not be drawn on who he thinks is the best man to take over the Wallabies, he says Deans is the best man for New Zealand.
Mitchell was back marshalling the Force on Monday, with the Perth franchise getting a taste of the pre-season to come with a series of brutal sprints and the dreaded beep tests in the 30degC heat.
Mitchell, a former All Blacks coach, also confirmed he would be happy to assist whoever replaces John Connolly in charge of the Wallabies - but the Western Force will remain his No 1 priority.
"It is a serious offer, but it was always conditional on the basis I would not relinquish this position and it would have to be the right head coach," Mitchell said.
"It is not up to me to judge the process of finding the right person. Having been there before it is not an easy gig.
"It is quite interesting and watching other coaches promoting themselves and what they have to offer.
"If they want my services, I am certainly always available from a Super 14 point of view. If those conditions could be worked out there is an opportunity. "
Deans, who looks to have ruled himself out of the Australian role despite scuttlebutt he could emerge a late contender, said he was "available, interested and keen to coach the All Blacks", a bid backed by the fans who in online polls want him to take over from Graham Henry.
Mitchell, who had Deans as his assistant during his time in charge of the All Blacks, also has no doubt he is the man who should be coaching his country.
"Deansy will have a fair idea of what it entails. We have worked together before in that environment," Mitchell said.
"He will be naturally going through a process - although he might not even get the chance to go through a process because it could be done from within.
"But I think he is the best coach in New Zealand, and I think New Zealand rugby would be at a huge advantage if he does get selected."
- AAP
