Rugby: Brumbies coach loath to help out Deans

Brumbies coach Laurie Fisher. Photo / Getty Images

BRISBANE - New Wallabies coach Robbie Deans' dual roles are complicating his plans to use rival Australian Super 14 coaches as quasi-test selectors.

ACT Brumbies coach Laurie Fisher is loath to agree to Deans' plan to consult him and his three fellow-Australian Super 14 mentors to decide upon extended Wallabies squads.

The Christchurch-based Crusaders coach wants extra advice as he is duty bound by the New Zealand Rugby Union to complete his domestic work before switching roles in late May.

But Fisher was worried about discussing the strengths and weaknesses of his players when such inside information could be used against them if they met the Crusaders in the Super 14 finals.

"In principle discussing players in depth as a Super 14 coach is a wonderful idea but while he's coaching a rival team it doesn't seem practical," he said.

"I'm not sure I can see the practicalities of discussing the pros and cons."

A surprised Fisher was also taken aback by the plans after only being alerted to them through an article in a newspaper.

"It concerns me that I read about it in a national newspaper before it's been discussed (with the coaches)," he said.

But Queensland coach Phil Mooney, whose team meet the Crusaders in the penultimate round of the competition, has no such issues.

"I think Robbie Deans would have a pretty good handle on players' strengths and weaknesses already," he said.

"It works two ways. I can aid him with background on my players and he can give me his feelings, which I can pass on to make them better players."

Meanwhile, Little-known Richard Graham and former test forward Jim Williams loom as Deans' coaching lieutenants.

AAP understands Crusaders mentor Deans will have an all-Australian coaching team behind him with Europe-based duo Graham and Williams to join incumbent re-starts coach Michael Foley.

The Australian Rugby Union won't confirm or deny the appointments, which are expected to be announced early next month.

But it appears the Wallabies' World Cup quarterfinal elimination by England will cost attack coach Scott Johnson and defence guru John Muggleton their jobs.