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Don't do it Robbie, we need you at the Wallabies!!!
Waratahs want Robbie Deans
By Peter Jenkins
April 02, 2007
NEW South Wales Waratahs officials have sounded out Crusaders master coach Robbie Deans as a potential replacement if Ewen McKenzie moves to the Australia job next season.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal a leading NSW Rugby Union official has raised the prospect with Deans, the Christchurch-based mentor who has guided the defending Super 14 champions to six finals and four titles over the past seven years.
While the talks were only on an informal basis, Deans is aware of the Waratahs interest should McKenzie be hoisted into the Test coaching position when John Connolly stands down after the World Cup in France.
Deans, however, parried any probing into his future plans after the Crusaders one-point win at Aussie Stadium on Saturday night.
"I've got a job to do here at the moment and that's all I'm thinking about," he said.
But Deans did confirm he has turned down an offer from the Stormers franchise in South Africa.
While NSW has its eyes on Deans, he will also be a leading contender for the Wallabies job. The Daily Telegraph has been told another high-profile figure likely to come under consideration for the coveted Test role is Wallabies backline assistant and one-time Wales coach Scott Johnson.
Blues coach David Nucifora and Brumbies coach Laurie Fisher are known to have pockets of support as well.