Wynne Gray's 50 greatest rugby moments: No.26

Robbie Deans and John Mitchell. Photo / NZ Herald

The coaching alliance between John Mitchell and Robbie Deans never fitted comfortably
into the New Zealand rugby fabric.

They'd taken over in rushed fashion in late 2001, taken an under-strength team to Europe
at the end of the next year and laid down some sublime rugby in the lead-up to the 2003 World Cup.

There was a disconnect, though. Sponsors did not think they were getting a good deal, the
media felt detached and NZR officials were getting twitchy.

For much of the tournament, the All Blacks were based in Melbourne.

That suited the coaches, who wanted to run a low-key campaign where they were removed from the tournament hype in Sydney and Brisbane.

Some saw that as invaluable, while most thought it was a damaging disconnect.

The All Black management took advantage and no-shows, late arrivals or other difficulties
became a testy topic during the tournament.

It grated with the global media who grizzled about the lack of information, access and updates on injured players such as captain Tana Umaga and Ali Williams.

NZR chairman Chris Moller attempted to get some more traction and help from the
team officials but Mitchell and Deans were not going to change tactics.

The squad's reputation as awkward and standoffish took another hit while the All Blacks
remained indifferent about delivering news to their fans at home and those who had
travelled to Australia.

The die was cast and Mitchell banked on his hazardous strategy that a World Cup victory would balance the lack of co-operation. When the All Blacks were well beaten in the semifinal by the Wallabies, the no-shows continued from team management.

It was left to Jerry Collins to meet the television cameras until the coaches and captain
were ushered to the obligatory media conference.

It was a messy end to a disjointed campaign where the coaches' brinkmanship disintegrated in the 22-10 semi final slump, one which condemned Mitchell and Deans to job exits as the ugly tournament assessments rolled on.