Deans picks Larkham's brain

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has held secret talks with former Australia fly-half Stephen Larkham in preparation for taking over the new job.

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has held secret talks with former Australia fly-half Stephen Larkham in preparation for taking over the new job.

Deans has now cut his ties with New Zealand rugby and his Crusaders legacy, taking up the top job in Australia following his Super 14 Final win at the weekend.

Larkham has revealed that so thorough has Deans' preparation for his new post been, that he contacted the star pivot recently to get a better understanding of what makes Australian rugby players tick and get a handle on the culture of the Wallabies.

“He called me up to see my point of view on how the team is going and what we were trying to do,” Larkham told the Sunday News.

“He's tried to canvass as many players as he can from the previous era and also current players.

“So he's very precise in what he does and I think that under his leadership it's a big step forward for Australian rugby.

“It's a very good signing on the Australian Rugby Union's part to get him and I think he'll do a fantastic job.”

Larkham, who has now retired from international rugby but ran out for the Barbarians against Ireland in Gloucester last week Wednesday, said Deans' fresh approach and great mind is just what's needed for the Wallabies to move forward.

Under their previous coach, John Connelly, they failed to make it beyond the quarter-finals at the Rugby World Cup, miserably losing to England in Marseille.

“He'll bring a different point of view,” said Larkham.

“I've spoken to Robbie and he's got a very simple concept of how the game should be played and a very successful one coming from the Crusaders.

“The guys are going to be full of ears that's for sure. This year I think they'll experiment a little bit and the guys will be really willing and keen to impress and playing some good football.”

Meanwhile, Larkham believes Matt Giteau will soon overtake Dan Carter in becoming the best fly-half in the world.

“He's played well for the Force this year as a number ten and it's only a matter of time before he becomes the best player in the world in that position,” Larkham said.

“He's got all the skills and a lot of confidence and I think if he can continue without any injuries I can't see why he can't lead the team to the next World Cup.”

As well as Larkham, the Wallabies from now on will also be without George Gregan. The two players have been the lynchpins of Australian rugby for so long, but Larkham is confident the Wallabies will cope without them.

“I think they'll do well. They've still got players who have been there for a while, particularly in important areas,” he said.

“Matt Giteau has been there for a while. He knows how things run and Stirling Mortlock is still there and those two players will be keen at continuing the tradition.

“It's also a good opportunity for Robbie Deans to experiment with a few new players and try out some combinations in preparation for the next World Cup.”