Robbie Deans to potentially replace Joseph
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<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11602469'>http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11602469</a></p>
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<p>I'm excited about this prospect, as when Joseph decided to step down I could only narrow it down to five candidates, with Robbie being one of the top picks.</p>
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<p>I had him, Tony Brown (who I quickly discovered didn't want it), Scott Robertson (who will get the Crusaders job), Wayne Smith (probably not going to happened) and Colin Cooper (not ideal but fitted the mould).</p>
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<p>When Joseph decided to step down, what the Highlanders started looking for was a top draw coaching manager, someone who can slip into the systems which have already been set up and work alongside a top draw coaching team. We don't need someone who would want to come in and change everything.</p>
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Robbie fits that, he is experienced, has won championships and is also driven to play an up-tempo game.</p>
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<p>I'm not too phased about his time with the Wallabies and hopefully look forward to see him taking charge of the Highlanders in 2017.</p>
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<p>Former Crusaders and Wallaby coach Robbie Deans has emerged as a dark horse candidate to take over the Highlanders next season.</p>
<p>Deans - famously rejected as the All Blacks coach after the 2007 World Cup - could take over when Jamie Joseph leaves the 2015 champions to take up his new post in Japan.</p>
<p>Southern rugby commentator Paul Allison told Radio Sport's Crowd Goes Wild Breakfast while Joseph's assistant Tony Brown is widely regarded as the frontrunner, there are suggestions Brown is not sure if he is ready for a head coaching role yet.</p>
<p>Allison's sources claimed Deans was an "interested spectator" at the Highlanders v Waratahs warm-up match in Queenstown last month as part of "this whole recruitment process".</p>
<p>Allison said he was relying on smoke signals.</p>
<p>"I've heard he (Brown) doesn't want it yet - is not quite ready," said Allison.</p>
<p>"The man being spoken about as a possibility - and I've got nothing to back this up - is Robbie Deans. Robbie Deans is a compatible fit - he is well liked in this part of the world, understands the southern culture."</p>
<p>Allison understands there are five head coaching contenders, and Wayne Smith's name has also been "mentioned".</p>
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<p>isn't Deans just mentioned with any top level coaching gig going at present?</p>
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<p>He is, but he was from all accounts an invited guest of the Highlanders to their pre-season game in Queenstown and has also been spotted in Dunedin over the last week.</p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="KiwiMurph" data-cid="563380" data-time="1457481330">
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<p>So Deans would never coach against Canterbury but is happy to coach against the All Blacks</p>
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<p>......ok.........</p>
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<p>yes. </p>
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<p>He was told when he missed out on the job if he ever wanted to coach the All Blacks, he needed gain international experience first</p>
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<p>Anyway my allegiances lie in this order, can't see why others wouldn't ..... 1. Canterbury, 2. Crusaders, 3. All Blacks.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="KiwiMurph" data-cid="563380" data-time="1457481330">
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<p>So Deans would never coach against Canterbury but is happy to coach against the All Blacks</p>
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<p>......ok.........</p>
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<p>I suppose I should add that this information came directly from Don Hayes. One of Robbies best mates</p> -
<p>I support Northland first, but if given the opportunity to play for Scotland (only other team I qualify for) I wouldn't want to play against the ABs...I know easy to claim this in my tower given it would never happen, but hey, if I can make the Scottish side, bloody MN5 would probably end up stalking me on FB or something!</p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Hooroo" data-cid="563388" data-time="1457482064">
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<p>and it doesn't really suprise me. Wasn't the Deans family one of the first European settlers to the area?</p>
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<p>Correct, they preceded the first four ships by around 7-8 years I think.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="SammyC" data-cid="563377" data-time="1457481086"><p>
I know for a fact that Deans has said he would never coach against Canterbury... hopefully that extends to the Crusaders as well.<br><br>
He did say a few months back he didnt want a Super coaching role because of too much travel</p></blockquote>
Had no problems coaching against NZ although as we know their is a breed of Cantabs who are Canterbury first, second and third.<br><br>
He certainly was a better Cantab coach and player than he was an AB coach or player. -
<p>It's amazing the about turns people make when</p>
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<p>a. They have been shafted</p>
<p>b. They are offered a huge contract elsewhere</p>
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<p>Which is why it's hard to judge Robbie on the decisons that he's made. I've been in situation a before, but unfortunately never situation b!</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="SouthernMan" data-cid="563367" data-time="1457479415">
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<p>When Joseph decided to step down, what the Highlanders started looking for was a top draw coaching manager, someone who can slip into the systems which have already been set up and work alongside a top draw coaching team. We don't need someone who would want to come in and change everything.</p>
<p>Robbie fits that, he is experienced, has won championships and is also driven to play an up-tempo game.</p>
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<p>I don't think Deans fits that at all. By all accounts he is a "my way or the highway" type of coach.</p> -
<p>I think Roger Clark and the Highlanders will be very careful about outlining the role they want their head coach to have. Joseph had to adapt following a number of years of my way or the highway, with a key ingredient in that being trusting his coaching team more. I'm sure the Highlanders will be making sure the candidates understand what will be expected of them.</p>
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<p>The thing about Deans is that he is an amazing recruiter of young players. If the Highlanders get him expect them to develop into the best squad in the competition within 2 to 3 years and the other kiwi franchises scratching their hands wondering what happened to their star players they had coming through. This leagacy will last for a good 5-10 years after he moves on as well. The Crusaders are still benefiting from Sam Whitelock Kieran Read.</p>
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<p>This is the biggest difference between the Crusaders under Blackadder. Todd believes that BS about a champion team beating a team of champions. Deans always knew that a team of champions playing like a champion team was the way to go.</p> -
<p>I think it would be a real coup for the Highlanders to get him but the Crusaders are mad if they have the option to get him back and choose not to.</p>
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<p>If Deans returned you wouldn't see the Blues hogging 3 quality 6s in Kaino, Luatua and Akira Ioane while the Crusaders lack ball runner to bend the line with Jordan Taufua starting when he should be the bench/impact player.</p>
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<p>Doubt Blake Gibson would be on the Blues roster either TBH. Doubt Otere Black would be wasting his time on the hurricanes bench either.</p>
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<p>As much as Hansen may not like to admit it with Deans back at the Crusaders the All Blacks would have a much wider pool of talent developed up to Super rugby level quicker.</p>
