The reign of Dingo Deans is over. Not surprisingly, Wallabies coach, Robbie Deans was sacked, his contract terminated following the 41-19 loss to the Lions on Saturday.
It had been a controversial 5 years - the election of a Kiwi to coach the Wallabies caused furore and debate on both sides of the Tasman. Remember the Canterbury fans who declared their new allegiances with the Wallabies back when Deans was snubbed from the All Blacks coaching job in 2007? Then there was the controversy with Quade Cooper prior to the start of this season, along with shock losses to Scotland and Samoa and you can see that it has been quite a colourful period.
To be fair though, Deans didn't quite get the credit he deserved. Under Deans, the Wallabies were consistently the 2nd best side in the world, behind only the mighty All Blacks even with their scrums wonky as ever as evident on Saturday night. Deans also unearthed tremendous new talent in the form of David Pocock, Will Genia, Quade Cooper, James O'Connor and Kurtley Beale as well as get the best from veterans like Stephen Moore, James Horwill and Adam Ashley-Cooper.
However, where Deans failed and ultimately created a stick for which to beat himself with, was the failure to win the trophies he himself set out to win - the Rugby World Cup, Bledisloe Cup and now Lions series success all alluded him during his time. The Wallabies had the measure of their great rivals across the ditch but it was in fleeting moments.
The Reds' Ewen McKenzie should be named coach in time for the Rugby Championship but he will face a tough challenge to bring back confidence and discipline to a shattered and disunited Wallabies side in time for the Rugby Championship.
Oh well, Robbie, there's the family home in Christchurch to rebuild and that mayor job if you want it.
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