Deans sets sights on the All Blacks job

NEW ZEALANDER Robbie Deans has effectively ruled himself out of the race to coach Australia by stating his intention to pursue the All Blacks job.

Deans, coach of Super 14 team the Canterbury Crusaders, met informally with Australian Rugby Union (ARU) chief John O’Neill during the World Cup. But he said yesterday he was interested mainly in working with his own national team.

“Essentially I am available, interested and keen to coach the All Blacks,” said Deans.