Spiky Deans gives nothing away

It’s fair to say Robbie Deans does not like speaking to the media.

Even on his better days, the under-pressure Wallabies coach looks distant and withdrawn when it comes to press days. Yesterday’s session was a packed gathering containing a throng of international broadcasters and journalists with the thorny subject of Kurtley Beale and James O’Connor’s late-night fast-food shenanigans top of the agenda.

Deans fielded questions from the large ensemble of broadcasters but appeared agitated as the continued questioning about the duo continued.

Eventually, an English journalist decided to change the subject and quiz Deans on tomorrow’s whistleblower Craig Joubert and whether the Kiwi had met with the referee this week. “Yes, I have,” Deans replied sharply. “We had a conversation as you do routinely. We know the way they referee, we analyse referees obviously… there’s nothing that dramatically came out of that.”

The fireworks continued when Deans was quizzed about the similarities with the Wallabies class of 2001; a group that came from 1-0 down to clinch the series.

“We’ve talked about it through our preparation,” he answered. “We’ve seen a lot of that footage. That was then, this is now. The response will be owned by these blokes.”

The thorny subject matter continued when Deans was asked to rate O’Connor’s performance at fly-half in the opening test.

“That 10 role is tough. Whoever we put into that role in this series was always going to be under pressure. He did well in guiding that group back into that game under the circumstances.

“Obviously, it was never going to be flawless, it [backline play] was never going to flow as a result of carnage.”

A brave Australian writer decided to press Deans on the late-to-bed duo again and inquired if there was an issue with off-the-field leadership in the Wallabies camp.

“Look, I think we’ve discussed this,” Deans retorted. “I’ve got nothing further to add to be fair… we’ve had a good week, to be fair, and I’m confident we’ll see that from these lads this week.”

Deans was his most effusive when questioned about Beale’s state of mind after missing that last minute kick on the hooter.

“Kurtley’s a lot stronger now than a couple of years back,” he explained. “He’s shown that in his response and the way he’s gone about his work this week. It’s a tough circumstance for any youngster to experience and has the potential to affect his self-belief.

“What Kurtley has been through has made him a much stronger character. I’ve no doubt that Kurtley dealt with the disappointment a lot more effectively than he may have done previously.”

Just to add further spice to proceedings, another reporter prodded Deans with Gatland’s comments over wearing moulded studs at Suncorp Stadium.

“That’s gamesmanship, I think isn’t it?” Deans retorted.

Cue his trademark blank stare to the press gathering. The same question was then directed to Christian Leali’ifano, who will return this week after being knocked out by Jonathan Davies inside the first minute of the first Test. “Yeah, whatever boots I feel comfortable in and help me kick well, and play well,” the talented centre said with a smile. “Adidas, maybe, can I plug that?”