New Wallaby Assistant Coaches Named

[Scott Allen]

ARU are holding a press conference at 9.30am on Monday to announce/confirm the new Wallaby assistant coaches.

Robbie Deans and his new assistants will be in attendance.

 

[Bruce Ross]

I'm told that this shock move is a somewhat pathetic attempt by Robbie to assert his independence by naming the coaching team before his nanny Totality Tony flies in. This rumour makes sense because otherwise why would there be such an unseemly rush to get the coaches announced when our first Test against Scotland is a full six weeks away? There will be much thumb twiddling in the next five weeks while they wait to have some players to coach.

The ARU, as part of their very commendable determination to produce an operating surplus this year, have not only reduced the number of nationally contracted players to seven but have voluntarily reverted to the time honoured practice of only assembling the Wallabies team seven days before a Test. This very sensible system applied for most of the previous century and Australia's universally revered statesman of rugby John O'Neill has challenged other rugby nations to follow his example.

The seven day assembly period will apply for the Test against Wales, but with the fixture against Scotland being just a midweeker that team will assemble and be introduced to one another only on the morning of the match after the interstate players have flown in. Loyal Wallabies supporters are being encouraged to billet their favourite players.
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[Dark Shark]

Just heard Andrew Blades will be forwards coach.