Rugby: Deans meets with ARU's O'Neill

Robbie Deans

Australian Rugby Union boss John O'Neill has met with prospective Wallabies coach Robbie Deans in Paris.

It is understood O'Neill and ARU high performance manager Pat Howard met with Deans shortly after he flew into France ahead of Sunday's World Cup final.

O'Neill has refused to detail discussions, saying it was just a chance to get to know each other over a cup of coffee and did not involve talk about the vacant Wallabies coaching position.

Up to six candidates will be considered for the Wallabies role vacated by John Connolly. Deans is favoured but he is also favourite to be the next coach of the All Blacks, which is sure to be his first choice.

Blues Super 14 coach David Nucifora is thought to be high on the list of possibilities, with Ewen McKenzie, Laurie Fisher and Wallabies assistants Scott Johnson and John Muggleton also in the mix.

- NEWSTALK ZB