Coach destined for Test glory, either way
ROBBIE DEANS'S knock-back from the All Blacks coaching position will be a severe test for a man whose hallmarks have been patience and persistence.
Eight years of toil with the Crusaders, where he has truly stamped himself as Super Rugby's best coach, have meant nothing in terms of trying to land the top job in New Zealand.
The transition to coaching always seemed likely for the long-time Canterbury player who earned five caps for the All Blacks. He coached Canterbury from 1997 to 2000, guiding them to the national title in 1997. With rugby turning professional, he formed a strong association with the Crusaders, initially as manager.
He took over the coaching reins in 2000 and has been in charge ever since, guiding the Crusaders to the play-offs seven times in eight years, winning the title four times and finishing runners-up twice.
In 2001, he was persuaded to become John Mitchell's assistant at the All Blacks, and they formed a powerful partnership, leading the All Blacks to 22 wins from 27 Tests, with one draw.
Importantly, they returned the Bledisloe Cup to New Zealand after a long absence in Australia. But the Wallabies had the final say on the Mitchell-Deans combination when they upset New Zealand in the 2003 World Cup semi-final in Sydney.
The axe came down quickly, and Graham Henry took over.
Deans is very much a players' coach. He has a strong rapport with his squad and his assistants.
His ability to continually reinvent the Crusaders speaks volumes for his rugby brain. He has based much of his success with them around a resolute defensive system with flashes of brilliant attack.
One of the great thinkers on the modern game, the 48-year-old has been at the forefront of the push to have the experimental laws introduced into next year's Super 14.
It will be interesting to see how he now goes about implementing those as the Crusaders search for another Super rugby title.
Don't bet against Deans pulling off another master stroke with the red and blacks. And don't bet against him heading to Australia after the Super 14 to take charge of the Wallabies.
This is a man craving a Test job - one that may come back to haunt the All Blacks in Tri-Nations and Bledisloe Cup battles, not to mention the World Cup. It may all turn out to be hugely embarrassing to New Zealand rugby.
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