Rugby: Deans praises Crusaders quake call

BRISBANE - Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has praised his former Crusaders franchise for withdrawing from Saturday's Super Rugby clash against the Hurricanes following this week's devastating earthquake.

One of Canterbury's favourite sons, Deans said the earthquake which hit Christchurch on Tuesday put sport into perspective and the Crusaders made the correct decision not to travel to Wellington.

The five-time Super Rugby title winning coach said the Crusaders players efforts would be best served at home, keeping their families safe and helping the community.

"It (rugby) is just not a priority right now," Deans said on Thursday. "It's a good decision to stick around and stick at home and support the community and support people and get them through it."

The Crusaders-Hurricanes match will be declared a draw with both teams awarded two points, while the round three clash between the Crusaders and NSW Waratahs is set to be moved away from Christchurch's extensively-damaged AMI Stadium.

Deans, who coached the Crusaders from 2000 until taking the reins of Australia in mid-2008, knew Crusaders director Philip McDonald who was among at least 75 people killed in the 6.3 magnitude earthquake and is braced for more bad news with hundreds missing.

"It's bloody awful," he said.

"There's not much we can do from distance, but we'll just wait to hear how we can help."

The Wallabies have planned to base themselves in Christchurch for the Rugby World Cup, starting on September 9, but uncertainty surrounding the city's ability to host seven matches may force them to think again.

At this early stage, Deans said he was not considering making any rushed changes.

"It's not an issue to us," the former All Blacks and Canterbury fullback said.

"Those logistical challenges pale into insignificance to what's going on there now so we'll deal with those."

- AAP