Farr-Jones: Deans to boost Wallabies

WORLD Cup-winning captain Nick Farr-Jones has backed Robbie Deans to succeed as coach of Australia — even though he finds it strange to see a New Zealander in charge of the Wallabies.

Former All Black full-back Deans took over from John Connolly, who stood down following the World Cup in France last year, and has been charged with returning Australia to the top of the world game.

Farr-Jones, who led Australia to World Cup glory in 1991, believes Deans’ personable approach will rally the players.

“From a distance I just sense that the players have not really enjoyed themselves over the past couple of years,” Farr-Jones said.

“I think it’s going to be really interesting when the Wallabies assemble for the first time and Robbie Deans addresses them.

“I’d love to be a fly on the wall because I sense that that fun that I believe has been lost over the last couple of years will return.

“And if you get that right — I’m not saying it will be instantaneous success — and you play with fun and you play in a style that shows you enjoy it, the scoreboard can often look after itself.”

Farr-Jones has endorsed Waratah Luke Burgess as the man to take over from former skipper George Gregan at scrum-half.

Burgess, who only has nine Super 14 caps to his name, was a team-mate and understudy of Gregan’s at the Brumbies for four years before deciding to move to New South Wales this season.

Since forcing his way into the Waratahs’ line-up mid-season, the 24-year-old has shown himself to be the standout scrum-half in Australia, according to Farr-Jones.

“He’s got great decision making, he’s got the speed (and) he’ll attract defences close to rucks and mauls,” said Farr-Jones.