KEY POINTS:
Robbie Deans' knowledge of the new rugby laws rather than his Crusaders connection is furrowing the brow of All Blacks counterpart Graham Henry ahead of Saturday's Bledisloe test against Australia.
Henry is sidestepping the hype around the Sydney clash which pits New Zealand's most successful coaches of the
professional era in the first of a four-leg campaign this year for transtasman supremacy.
Repeated questions yesterday about Crusaders icon Deans - the man who applied to take his job in the World Cup fallout - were batted aside by veteran press conference operator Henry, who could have played the same recorded answer every time.
Yes, he understands there is public interest but he has a job to do this week which doesn't involve personal agendas.
The most expressive Henry became was when assessing Deans' obvious grasp of the Experimental Law Variations (ELVs), which the Crusaders employed to excellent effect on their way to another Super 14 title in May.
Henry and assistants Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith had no involvement with the Super 14 and Henry admitted they were still coming up to speed tactically with the laws.
The law related to player numbers in the lineout was proving especially difficult to adjust to.
"The three of us are learning about the game again under the ELVs," Henry said.
"So I think Robbie does have an advantage in that he has coached under the ELVs for 3-4 months."
There was some good news for Henry emanating from both camps yesterday when the respective captains' injuries were assessed.
All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw is bracketed with flanker Daniel Braid so remains on track for a stunning early return from an ankle injury.
Hours later Australia learned they would be without captain and long-time All Blacks tormentor at centre Stirling Mortlock, who hasn't recovered from a head knock in last week's 16-9 defeat of the Springboks in Perth.
The captaincy goes to flanker George Smith, the man who McCaw or Braid will have to beat in what shapes as a key breakdown area.
Henry said McCaw was a 50/50 proposition and admitted his match fitness wouldn't be at its peak after a month off the training and playing fields.
"He might start blowing a bit later in the game," Henry said.
"But he values playing for the All Blacks extremely highly and he wants to play."
If McCaw is passed fit, there will be six Crusaders in the starting lineup, including restored tight forwards Greg Somerville and Brad Thorn, key ball-winning lock Ali Williams and the two playmakers - halfback Andy Ellis and first five-eighth Daniel Carter.
Deans will know the strengths and weaknesses of the Crusaders players intimately but that was of no concern to Henry.
He believed the Wallabies wouldn't stray far from the playing style that has seen them bounce back unbeaten from their World Cup quarterfinal loss to England, with four wins from four under Deans.
"The last time we played them in Australia we got beaten," Henry said.
"They were a top rugby side last year, we found them difficult in both games we played them, and they're a top rugby side this year.
"There may be a change in emphasis in what they're doing. New coaches bring different ideas to the team but they've always had quality."
Hansen said detailed analysis meant opposition coaches knew ample about their opponents anyway, diluting the benefit of Deans to Australia.
"Everyone's got an idea of where everyone is going to go. It's a matter of making sure you go there better than the other people do," Hansen said.
"Everyone wrote Australia off last week, they thought the South Africans would clobber them but they showed that they're a true top international side and I think they won that test pretty easy.
"We've got to turn up there with a great attitude, a huge amount of intensity and purpose.
"It's the norm for any big test match."
- NZPA
