Which was met by a lot of consternation from sections of the Eastern States at the time.
Deans ultimately realised he couldn't work in a system where political bullshit carried through from schools to senior rugby, and the quality he had available was nowhere near the standard he expected.
You’d be praying for some of that early 2000s “quality” to be taking the field against Wales tomorrow morning …
Deans had some of the GOATs of Australian rugby under him ..
I don't buy that “ system” excuse either.That “system” at that stage of Aus rugby, had produced 2 WC winning sides and third runner up …
Reality is was he was extremely stubborn and very unpopular with the players ,caused division within the side (this is well documented) …
On a stats level he had a shit average wining percentage and terrible track record against the ABs, (so much so, conspiracy theories starting popping up he was he a NZ plant lol … )
He isn’t someone you’d even consider bringing back now and doesn’t even slightly stand out from the other coaches we’ve had in the last 20years, no matter whatever kiwi revisionism is going on here.