What Deans means

If you close your eyes and think of rugby in New Zealand lots of things pop into your mind. All Blacks, running rugby, Polynesian blend, losing the world cup, winning the super 14, sheep, eco friendly and Robbie Deans. It is fair to say the last one on the list is a true icon of New Zealand, just like the black jersey. The man has won 5 super 14 titles, played for the All Blacks and masterminded the most convincing dominance in Oceania rugby with the crushing Crusaders team.

In an ideal world you would think that Robbie would be coaching a team in New Zealand and most likely that team would be the All Blacks, it would seem a natural progression from the super 14 successes. As fate or luck for Australia would have it, this great man will be leading the Wallabies in the internationals this year. To show how greatly regarded this man is will be easy to show. Christchurch has been his base for a long time, it is in his blood and he is a local. He has done a radical thing and now accepted to be the coach of the archrival of the beloved NZ fan base, but I tell you one thing you would struggle to find 1 person that holds a grudge against Robbie Deans. He is an utter legend and this is magnified by the fact that he can jump ship and coach the enemy and everyone at home base can’t bring themselves to dislike him. In other codes like soccer, he would be scathed, have things thrown at, abused and hated if he dared step foot back in his old territory. The only thing heading his way will be multiple handshakes and respect when he returns home.

Deans is a remarkable example of motivation, Australia rugby is going through a mass of excitement and experienced players and young are relishing the new feel in camp. This weekend they face their first test against Ireland. Knives could be out to judge the new coach and the new team, but I doubt it. He will have a plan, a direction and a strategy he wants to implement with his Wallabies, they will play with passion and heart and win or lose they will receive support. This is what Dean’s means, he can unite, excite and deliver and it will for sure be an interesting journey.