/ 31 October 2007

Robbie Deans keen to coach All Blacks

Canterbury Crusaders coach Robbie Deans has confirmed the worst-kept secret in New Zealand rugby — he is keen to take over as All Black coach from Graham Henry.

Henry is likely to be replaced following the All Blacks worst-ever World Cup showing this month when they were knocked out by France in the quarterfinals.

”I am available, interested and keen to coach the All Blacks,” Deans told reporters.

Deans is considered a frontrunner to succeed Henry, after taking the Crusaders to four Super 14 titles since in 2000.

The New Zealand Rugby Union is expected to announce who will coach the All Blacks in December.

Deans’s decision to throw his hat into the ring for the All Blacks job means he will not apply for the Wallabies coaching job, with interviews by the Australian Rugby Union due to start on November 9.

”They’ve got a process to go through as well and they’ve got timelines they may want to meet. That’s the way it is.”

Henry’s assistant coach, Steve Hansen, is also among the frontrunners should Henry (61) be sacked or decide not to reapply for the job he has held since 2004.

Despite the shock World Cup performance, there has been strong public support for retaining Henry.

Deans was previously involved with the All Blacks as John Mitchell’s assistant leading up to the unsuccessful 2003 World Cup campaign. — Sapa-AFP