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BRISBANE - Disgruntled Wallabies defence adviser John Muggleton last night likened John Connolly's coaching team to the set-up Rod Macqueen oversaw to win the 1999 rugby World Cup.
Muggleton praised the efforts and teamwork of Connolly and fellow deputies Scott Johnson and Michael Foley in response to reports of divisions in Australia's coaching ranks.
Muggleton, Wallabies mentor Connolly and Foley all rubbished claims of rifts that need to be healed before heading to France.
Connolly denied any problems between he and his assistant coaches - Foley, Johnson and Muggleton - and insisted there were no issues requiring attention before a three-day training camp starting in Sydney today.
A Sydney Morning Herald column by leading Australian rugby writer Greg Growden said the relationship between the quartet was edgy and Australian Rugby Union officials were set to intervene.
But Connolly and an ARU spokesman said no intervention was necessary despite long-time defence adviser Muggleton being upset that he felt his efforts had failed to receive due recognition.
"There's nothing to sort out," Connolly said. "It's just not an issue.
"We've got a strong coaching team with strong individuals who are working well together."
Muggleton, a former Parramatta and Australia league forward, revealed frustrations at being viewed as a "mungo" (derogatory term for league player) by rugby officials had prompted a walk-out at the John Eales Medal last Monday night.
He rejoined the function but refused to accept an apology by remorseful ARU president Paul McLean who forgot to mention his work in a speech which praised the efforts of fellow assistants Foley and Johnson.
Muggleton, annoyed that he has never progressed beyond his current status, said the incident was "indicative of how I've been treated over the years by the hierarchy".
"I still get people calling me a mungo," he said. "There should be some recognition there. I know it sounds selfish but if they just want me to be a defensive coach give me that name and don't tell me I'm an assistant coach."
Growden said team officials bickered in front of stunned onlookers at the dinner, and at least one had "heated arguments" with high-ranking ARU figures.
"Many senior players have lost confidence in several members of the Australian team management, with the belief being that some officials are more ego-driven than having the team's welfare as their No 1 priority."
A perceived Queensland bias within the squad and the presence of league legend Andrew Johns at some training sessions had also heightened tensions, the report said.
Meanwhile, former Wallabies and Reds coach Eddie Jones confirmed he was hoping to extend his one-week consultancy role with the Springboks to a role as technical director alongside coach Jake White at the World Cup.
"We haven't got everything confirmed yet, but there is a likelihood that I will be doing more with them.
I will be there for the start of the World Cup, but not for all of it.
" AAP, NZPA
