Deans factor gives Wallabies hope

SYDNEY – The Robbie Deans factor has given Australian rugby fans hope the Wallabies can upset the All Blacks here on Saturday and boost their chances of success in the Tri-Nations and Bledisloe Cup this year.

Four undefeated matches into his tenure as the Wallabies’ first foreign coach, Deans approaches what will be an emotional first meeting with his homeland and a fascinating sub-plot of wits and tactics with Graham Henry. Although Australia and New Zealand are rebuilding after their traumatic quarter-final exits from last year’s World Cup, beneath the surface of Saturday’s match lies a compelling test of loyalties and emotions.When the New Zealand Rugby Union’s World Cup autopsy led to Deans being controversially rebuffed as the new All Blacks coach in favour of retaining Henry, Deans immediately switched allegiances to the Wallabies.”There will be a piece of me in there in terms of the contest and wanting the group to thrive, but it’s team on team,” Deans said.Assistant All Blacks coach Steve Hansen knows what it is like coaching a team against your home nation, having coached Wales three times against the All Blacks from 2002 to 2003.Hansen said the first time was hardest when the national anthems were played.Under Deans, the Wallabies have vanquished Ireland, France twice and world champions South Africa.But a Bledisloe Cup showdown with their trans-Tasman rivals is the most-anticipated rugby event here, even more so this year, and there is optimism the Wallabies are responding to the playing system that ‘Dingo’ Deans used to coach the Canterbury Crusaders to five of their record seven Super rugby titles.Nampa-AFPAlthough Australia and New Zealand are rebuilding after their traumatic quarter-final exits from last year’s World Cup, beneath the surface of Saturday’s match lies a compelling test of loyalties and emotions.When the New Zealand Rugby Union’s World Cup autopsy led to Deans being controversially rebuffed as the new All Blacks coach in favour of retaining Henry, Deans immediately switched allegiances to the Wallabies.”There will be a piece of me in there in terms of the contest and wanting the group to thrive, but it’s team on team,” Deans said.Assistant All Blacks coach Steve Hansen knows what it is like coaching a team against your home nation, having coached Wales three times against the All Blacks from 2002 to 2003.Hansen said the first time was hardest when the national anthems were played.Under Deans, the Wallabies have vanquished Ireland, France twice and world champions South Africa.But a Bledisloe Cup showdown with their trans-Tasman rivals is the most-anticipated rugby event here, even more so this year, and there is optimism the Wallabies are responding to the playing system that ‘Dingo’ Deans used to coach the Canterbury Crusaders to five of their record seven Super rugby titles.Nampa-AFP