Deans faces axe as Wallabies coach

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans watches his side train. Source: Cameron Spencer / Getty Images

THE Wallabies could have a new coach before the Rugby Championship with growing speculation even an historic win over the Lions tonight won?t secure Robbie Deans' job.

ARU boss Bill Pulver stressed this week that Deans' future "does not hinge on the Lions series" but the drums have been beating loudly in recent days the Kiwi?s six-season tenure will draw to a close after Saturday; win, lose or draw.

Deans' replacement would come from two candidates: Queensland?s Ewen McKenzie or Brumbies and former Springboks coach Jake White.

McKenzie has long been considered the popular heir apparent for the Wallaby coaching role, after taking the Reds to a Super Rugby title in 2011.?

But White?s claims have grown this year among some powerbrokers, and long-time ally Eddie Jones speculated publically this week the South African could take over from Deans on a two-year contract until the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

It is understood the Melbourne Rebels are waiting on the ARU?s decision regarding Deans? future, with the franchise keen to bring McKenzie back to Victoria if he misses out on the top job.

McKenzie said last night he was unaware of any movement on Deans? position ? "you?re asking the wrong bloke" ? and while stressing his belief he was amply qualified to coach the Wallabies, the outgoing Reds coach said he would keep the door open on the Rebels option.

"I have upfront with my intentions the whole way, I have stated I would like a crack at international level," McKenzie said.

"My CV is pretty diverse. I have a fair bit of experience now, I have been a head coach at Super level for ten years, and was involved with the Wallabies prior to that. I have been around a fair while, but in the end, I have no say in any of that. It?s a process run by the ARU."

McKenzie said his focus was to pursue international coaching experience but he was a ?never say never" man when it came to other jobs.

"The Rebels has held interest for me in the past. My hometown, and it?s the type of job I?ve done in the past, building a team up," McKenzie said.

"These things come down to timing, often. You just have to see what happens."

Source: http://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/wallabies/axe-looms-over-the-head-of-robbie-deans-as-coach-of-the-wallabies/story-e6frf55l-1226675033148?from=public_rss

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