New Zealander Robbie Deans launched a passionate defence of his credentials to coach the Australian rugby team after being interviewed for the job on Tuesday.


Deans has emerged as the favourite to succeed John Connolly as the next Wallaby coach after he missed out on the New Zealand position.


The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) has been criticised by some former players and coaches for considering a New Zealander ahead of an Australian but Deans said a coach's nationality was irrelevant.


In this file photo New Zealand team The Crusaders coach Robbie Deans (L) and captain Reuben Thorne watch the trophy presentation after the Super 12 final against the ACT Brumbies at Canberra Stadium in Canberra May 22, 2004. Deans launched a passionate defence of his credentials to coach the Australian rugby team after being interviewed for the job on Tuesday.

"I've got a passion for the game, I love this game. I love a challenge," he told reporters after his two-hour interview in Brisbane.
"I really enjoy the people in the game. I probably have as many connections here as I do at home - I've been in SANZAR rugby for 11 years now."

Deans, 48, has never coached a national side before although he was assistant coach to the All Blacks from 2001-2003 and has enjoyed unprecedented success in the Super 12 and Super 14 competitions, guiding the Canterbury Crusaders to the title in 2000, 2002, 2005 and 2006 and the final in 2003 and 2004.

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