KEY POINTS:
If Robbie Deans gets the Australian job, the Crusaders will have their fingers crossed the New Zealand Rugby Union don't add an extra jab in the ribs by shutting him out of a final year with the franchise.
Deans is contracted to the Crusaders for a ninth season through until the end of next year's campaign.
The Australian Rugby Union have made it clear if Deans is appointed as Wallaby coach, they are happy for him to see out his Crusaders job.
But the NZRU could decide it doesn't want the new Wallaby boss operating as one of its five franchise coaches. They are expected to make their position on the issue public shortly.
Deans is one of two Super rugby coaches in New Zealand whose hand is up to be next Wallaby coach. Blues coach David Nucifora is one of five Australians who have applied for the job.
Deans knows it's the NZRU's decision.
But he "would like to think given my unprecedented level of service and the fact they've often stated the benefits of coaches going offshore and gaining experience" the union would not swing the hammer.
If Deans were removed, the Crusaders have a problem - no immediately obvious successor within the operation.
His No 2, former All Black hooker Mark Hammett, is still cutting his coaching teeth. Canterbury coach Rob Penney has yet to set the world on fire in his two years in the Air New Zealand Cup.
Which leaves former All Black and Crusader captain, and local hero, Todd Blackadder. He is coaching Tasman in next year's national championship and helped the Crusaders with their forward work this year.
He coached Edinburgh during a stint in Scotland before returning to Tasman and, being a popular figure in the region, might be a contender.
If Deans heads across the Tasman, the Crusaders will certainly need to find a new coach for the 2009 season. He will have giant boots to fill.
