Former Wallabies coach Robbie Deans on Wednesday endorsed Michael Cheika to take over the Australia job, saying the New South Wales mentor could turn the side into World Cup winners but must curb his fiery behaviour.
New Zealander Deans, the first foreigner to coach the Wallabies, said Australia remained an accomplished side despite the turmoil surrounding Ewen McKenzie's surprise departure and could win next year's showcase tournament in England.
"They've got the talent, they've got more depth than they've had for a while and they've showed they're capable of winning the World Cup next year for sure," he told Radio Sport in a round of New Zealand media interviews to promote a new biography.
He described Cheika, who guided the NSW Waratahs to the Super 15 title this year, as an "ambush merchant" capable of getting the Wallabies emotionally fired-up for a tournament campaign.
But he said the no-nonsense coach, who has a history of abusing officials and media when things are not going his way, needed to change his behaviour if he took the helm of the national side.
"He's very passionate, he might have to adapt some of his off-field habits being in the international spotlight," said Deans, who is currently coaching Japan's Panasonic Wild Knights.
"They (the players) will respond to him without a doubt. That approach suits World Cup rugby, it's very much a short-term outlook."
Deans, who was in charge of Australia for almost six years before quitting in 2013 after a 2-1 series loss to the British and Irish Lions, said there was a question mark over Australian Rugby Union chief Bill Pulver's future in the wake of the McKenzie furore.
"He won't be sitting comfortably at the moment, it hasn't unfolded the way he'd anticipated."
Deans said Australian rugby was also struggling financially in a fiercely competitive sporting market, increasing pressure on officials to find the right replacement for McKenzie.
"Their circumstance is tenuous, I don't think people understand that," he said.
"They don't have a lot of equity, they're almost technically insolvent, if not now then that's the projection."
Despite rating the Wallabies a World Cup chance, Deans nominated South Africa as the main threat to New Zealand defending the trophy.
He said the Springboks, always strong up front, now had backline talent such as fly-half Handre Pollard coming through, allowing them to play a more expansive game.
"They've got the grunt that suits World Cup rugby. and they're starting to get some (number) 10s that are adding to their game. In 2007, they won without playing pass-the-ball, now they can do both."
Source: AFP
