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Wallabies coaching candidate Ewen McKenzie questions whether Australian Rugby Union's long-winded selection process is a meaningless "waste of time".
New South Wales coach McKenzie is one of five short-listed Australians who appear set to lose out to New Zealander Robbie Deans.
Reappointment of Graham Henry as All Blacks coach has made Deans odds-on favourite to become the first foreigner to lead the Wallabies.
Before Friday, Auckland-based David Nucifora and broadcaster Alan Jones were seen as the likely preferred options ahead of McKenzie, Brumbies mentor Laurie Fisher and defence guru John Muggleton.
McKenzie said he and fellow-candidates had "jumped through a lot of hoops" and he'd given up plenty of time at the expense of himself and the Waratahs.
"At the moment you'd like to think the long-term process has been a meaningful one. It's been time consuming put it that way, away from our normal jobs... so hopefully that process isn't just a waste of time."
The five candidates were interviewed a month ago. The ARU board meeting was cancelled because chief executive John O'Neill had throat surgery and the appointment postponed for discussion on Thursday.
The timing has been perfect for O'Neill who made it known his preference was to appoint Deans to a long-term contract.
McKenzie wouldn't deny Deans the chance for a second bite at the international coaching cherry.
"I guess he's entitled to go for his plan B option," he said.
- AAP
