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Stathi Paxinos | May 12, 2009
WALLABIES coach Robbie Deans yesterday said Australia needed a fifth Super rugby franchise for the health of the game in this country and he would be happy for it to be given to Melbourne.
Deans would not give Melbourne's bid for an expansion team — if that was to be situated in Australia — his full seal of approval given other areas such as the Gold Coast had also shown interest.
But Deans, who was instrumental when coach of the Crusaders in establishing a pre-season trial against Western Force in Melbourne (discontinued this year), said he believed Melbourne had a good case. It was overlooked in favour of Perth when the competition was last revamped.
"I love Melbourne. I've got a history with the Crusaders having played here and it's a great sporting destination, there's no two ways about that," Deans said.
"But I'm not party to the decision, if the choice was to be Melbourne that would be great. Most importantly from my perspective is we need more rugby and we need another opportunity for players within Australia.
"… That background of having the application last time would have to serve the area well in so far that they would be so much better informed of what's required, they're equipped already with a background of preparation, and that has just to be an advantage over every other area that doesn't have that. There's a huge untapped rugby population here."
South Africa has been in dispute with its southern hemisphere partners, Australia and New Zealand, over the way the Super competition should be set up under a new broadcasting deal, and has laid claim to the expansion franchise itself, which would give it six teams in the competition.
Deans said Australia did have the depth among the club rugby ranks, as well as the more seasoned competitors who were now playing overseas because of limited opportunities within Australia, to support a fifth Australian Super franchise.
Deans was in Melbourne yesterday to promote the Wallabies' June 20 Test at Etihad Stadium against Italy.
He also said the Melbourne public should show it was serious about rugby and the possibility of a Super team.
"I'd be disappointed if there wasn't a big crowd," he said. "… if local people do aspire to a franchise being based in Melbourne then that's one obvious way that they can express that desire and that wish."
http://www.rugbyheaven.com.au/news/n...893918474.html
---------- Post added at 16:20 ---------- Previous post was at 09:38 ----------
Get to see Robbie Deans backs a fifth Super Rugby team in Australia... Sounds like its on the way if the national coach is prepared to talk about it in the media...
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