Wallabies coach Robbie Deans will use an all-Australian support staff. Photo / Getty Images
SYDNEY - Robbie Deans has confirmed his Wallabies rugby coaching staff will be all-Australian, and the Super 14 coaches will help select his first squad of the year.
Former All Black Deans said he'd settled on his preferred support staff for when he takes on the job after
the Super 14 competition in May.
"As I have said, one Kiwi will be adequate," he told the Sydney Morning Herald.
And it seems likely some, or all, of last year's Wallabies assistant coaches Michael Foley (forwards), Scott Johnson (backs), and John Muggleton (defence) will lose their jobs.
"It's clear (Foley) is keen to continue, but who knows? They may all be keen to," Deans said.
"But the reality of the circumstances is that the opportunity won't be there for all (of them)."
Deans has refused to comment on who his support staff might be, and whether Blues coach David Nucifora might be included. The former Wallabies hooker was one of the unsuccessful applicants for the coaching job.
Meanwhile Deans said he was ready to put forward a plan for the four Australian Super 14 coaches - John Mitchell (Force), Ewen McKenzie (Waratahs), Laurie Fisher (Brumbies) and Phil Mooney (Reds) - to be involved in choosing the Wallabies' first wider squad this year.
This would assist Deans, who is committed to a final season with the Crusaders and is bound by an agreement with the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) not to work on the Wallabies while still with a New Zealand franchise.
"The key is to involve them (Super 14 coaches) in selection genuinely, and in the preparation as we go around in those (provincial) areas."
He said the Super 14 coaches would not be involved in selecting test teams or overseas tour squads.
"I have had no resistance (from the Australian Rugby Union) so far," Deans said.
"It's exciting. No one person owns all the ideas, nor all the understanding."
- NZPA
