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He will soon be regarded as our arch rugby enemy, but last night Crusaders coach Robbie Deans was honoured by a host of big sporting names for his huge contribution to the New Zealand game.
Deans, who has led his beloved Canterbury franchise to a record four Super rugby titles, controversially missed out on the All Black coaching role this year and will leave after the Super 14 to coach Australia.
But no one was dwelling on that as about 900 people greeted him with a standing ovation at the "One Eyed Farewell" function in Christchurch.
Among those who turned out to speak were past and present Canterbury rugby greats Tane Norton, Alex "Grizz" Wyllie, Warwick Taylor, Reuben Thorne, Vic Simpson and Mark Hammett, while Justin Marshall chimed in via phone link.
"Not a bad bench, is it?" Deans remarked.
An Australian television team was there.
MC Malcolm Ellis said: "They still can't believe we are silly enough to let Robbie Deans go. I can assure you this is just a loan."
Norton, a former All Black captain, said he did not see the evening as a farewell, but as a "thank you to Robbie for what he has done and the pride he has instilled".
Wyllie, a former All Black coach, recalled Deans as a player always running at the front of the pack at training "and normally singing a song".
"About the coach," Deans added.
Deans, lauded for his gentlemanly "country" style, said Wyllie taught him respect. "He punched it into us."
Todd Blackadder, a former Crusaders and All Black captain, said Deans had a "thirst for excellence, and that rubs off on everyone around him".
"If we were sitting there throwing ice into a glass, he was there throwing ice and trying to beat you."
Marshall called Deans the best coach he had ever played under.
Deans said his time in rugby was precious. "We are only here for a short time and we are lucky and privileged to do what we do."
The Crusaders' winning culture instilled by Deans is frequently referred to, but "culture isn't something you impose", he said.
"Culture is something that is there when you are not there."
As a player, Deans represented Canterbury in 146 matches between 1979 and 1990, scoring a record 1461 points. He also played 19 games and five tests for the All Blacks.
