Share

Deans gets ARU backing

Sydney - Embattled Wallabies coach Robbie Deans looks likely to keep his job and be in charge for the British and Irish Lions tour next year after rugby chiefs said there was "very little chance" of change.

Deans has been under pressure since Australia's poor Rugby Championship campaign this year, although a European tour that saw them beat England, Italy and Wales handed him breathing space.

The media have blasted his tactics, which saw the team end the year averaging just one try per Test, but Australian Rugby Union chairperson Michael Hawker defended Deans's performance.

Hawker admitted he was concerned by the lack of tries "but we have been missing some of our most spectacular running backs", he told The Australian.

"Having Quade Cooper and Will Genia and James O'Connor, all international-quality players, out of our backline does make a difference, just as New Zealand without Dan Carter and Richie McCaw would lose something."

Deans, who has been coach since 2008, still has to undergo an end-of-year review by the board, which includes former greats John Eales, George Gregan and Brett Robinson, but Hawker suggested his job was safe.

"There is no view to moving the incumbent on until there is reason to," Hawker told the newspaper. "There is very little chance of a change."

The Wallabies face the Lions in three Tests at home next year, starting in Brisbane on June 22, followed by Melbourne (June 29) and Sydney (July 6).

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2246 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE