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If he's good enough for Nobody he's good enough for me!
Eales backs Deans as Wallabies coach
December 11, 2007 - 2:45PM
Former Wallabies captain John Eales has backed New Zealander Robbie Deans to become the next Australian rugby coach because of the attractive and successful style of play he has employed at provincial level.
Deans will be interviewed for the vacant Wallabies head coach position in the coming days and is expected to become the first foreigner to lead Australia.
Eales, the most successful Wallabies captain, said Deans had better credentials than the five original Australian-born candidates and would bring an attractive style of rugby to the game.
"If you look at his coaching record he does stand out over all the other coaching candidates," Eales told ABC radio.
"Robbie Deans stacks up against any coach anywhere in the world.
"If somebody like that is available, it's hard to find a reason why you would not go for him.
"It's hard not to be (a fan). What he has done with the Crusaders over such a long period of time and the way he has turned over good players and brought very good players through and the success he has had makes him a very impressive candidate.
"The Crusaders have always played a very positive style of rugby.
"When they run with the ball they look special and when they kick the ball they always put pressure on the opposition.
"What he has been able to do is play a style of game at the Crusaders that is a winning style but also an entertaining style and a very low percentage of error style of game as well."
Eales said the fact ARU officials sought out Deans almost a month after interviewing David Nucifora, Ewen McKenzie, John Muggleton, Laurie Fisher and Alan Jones for the job shows they are not satisfied with the local candidates.
"Obviously by bringing Robbie Deans into the process they have not been entirely comfortable they have got the best person for the job," said Eales.
Eales said "no doubt there would be some" people within rugby circles against appointing a Kiwi coach, but believes "it might be time to take in other perspectives."
"I don't have any problem with Australians coaching other national teams and if you take that as a view I don't think there's a problem having a foreigner coach Australia," he said.
"There comes a time when it's time to learn from others."
AAP