I don't normally comment too much in the Forum these days. But, from someone who has not been 'Mr Positive' over the years about the Wallabies, the extreme and cynical negativism that I see pervading the G&GR Forum website at the moment about Robbie Deans (and vicariously, JON) is disappointing.
We lost to Scotland in 2009, two friggin' years ago. Samoa wasn't great either but it was the first game of the season, and we seriously underestimated them. Paid the price.
Link isn't the Messiah, neither is Deans. We've got a very young team and when the maturity takes hold I think we'll come close to challenging for No 1.
Let's face it, whether you like it or not, the ABs have had the wood on us for years. Deans not up to it? But many of you say that Deans doesn't actually develop the players? So that means the Australian system isn't up to it?
The reality is that New Zealand have stronger systems, structures and rugby cultures than we do. That's a fact and I've got no argument with that. I'm hoping that we can overcome our disadvantage occasionally to combat this scenario. But architecture wise, we're not up to their standard.
I reckon if I coached the Wallabies we'd probably go down a notch or two in world rankings. However, if I coached the ABs we'd still be No. 1. Why? They've got the cattle and the structure.
A quote from Brendan Venter yesterday (someone who you'd think knows what's going on):
"Australia have been second only to New Zealand over the past two years because Robbie Deans is an old-fashioned coach like Jim Mallinder. He is there on the training paddock coaching the sessions and calling the shots."
"Deans won numerous Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders as a pure head coach and the Australian Rugby Union were very smart to get this kind of leader locked into a long contract."
And by the way, it's only a fuckin' game!!!!!
