Ewen: No tug-of-war over Gaz

2008-09-05 10:05

Sydney - Ewen McKenzie says he will not stand in the way of Robbie Deans should the Wallabies coach seek the release of Mark Gasnier from Stade Francais to play for Australia during the end-of-season tour of Europe.

McKenzie, the former NSW head coach now in charge at the Paris-based club, says that even if he opposed a call-up for Gasnier, International Rugby Board regulations would not allow him to block it.

Gasnier will join McKenzie in the French capital as soon as his own NRL commitments with St George Illawarra are over - which would be on Sunday, October 5 at the latest if the Dragons make the grand final.

Asked if he would oppose any attempt by Deans to use Gasnier during the Wallabies tour in November and December, McKenzie, who joined Stade Francais in July, said: "Theoretically, it is no different to the international players who are here at [Stade Francais].

"From an IRB point of view, I don't think I can stop it, but [following] protocol - I am not saying I want to stop it - we have to make them available for the week of a game."

McKenzie said he has not spoken with Deans about Gasnier since moving to France. But it is believed the Wallabies camp is hoping to convince the Australian Rugby Union that it should open the door for foreign-based Australians to be considered for Wallabies selection on long international tours.

Premature

Were that to happen this year, it could prolong the international careers of Rocky Elsom and Dan Vickerman - due to head to the northern hemisphere - and also offer Deans an opportunity to sample what Gasnier has to offer.

"That would be a fairly big step from an Australian point of view, but it seems they are going that way," McKenzie said, adding that it was premature to say if Gasnier could be ready to represent Australia so soon.

"It is too early to call. He has to earn his spot in the run-on team here. He has to get to know the game. I just don't think it happens overnight. One thing I like about Mark is that he is intelligent. He does understand it.

"And with the different rules [ELVs] here, there is a fair bit of kicking, as some of the new rules are still being developed in how teams play. In that sense it is not a bad time for him to come in because it is all different."

McKenzie is helping Gasnier prepare by keeping in contact via telephone and providing him with study material. "There is the prospect of failure, but there is the prospect of success," McKenzie said. "I just have to try and put as many things in place to make sure this is as successful as quickly as possible. But looking at how the game is being played here and his level of intelligence and skill I think he will make the transition reasonably smoothly."

- Rugby Heaven