'Only the dedicated need apply'

2008-02-06 14:50

Greg Growden

Sydney - If a potential Wallaby wants to impress new coach Robbie Deans, more than ability is required - other necessary ingredients are overwhelming resilience, a devoted group focus, a rounded lifestyle and a passion to improve the team culture. Talent, Deans says, is not the over-riding factor.

The Crusaders coach, who will take over the Wallabies on June 1, on Wednesday said that how a player conducted himself off the field was as important as his on-field presence.

And with Australian Rugby Union chief John O'Neill demanding a radical improvement in the team's culture, it appears that he has appointed the right head coach to ensure it is not just idle words, but actually happens.

When asked what he looked for in a representative player, Deans explained: "They've got to have the talent. First and foremost. But at this level, they are all talented. So the critical component is probably toughness, the ability to persevere. This is because the point of difference isn't generally the X factor, but generally how they cope with the setbacks.

"That involves character, their ability to offer to the (team) even when their own selfish needs aren't being met."

And if any future Wallabies are confused, Deans points to recent Test performers Stephen Larkham, Stirling Mortlock, Phil Waugh and George Smith as ultimate examples of what he likes.

He also knows that there are plenty more out on the Australian backblocks who fit the category, because probably the most dominant trait of the Wallabies brand over the decades has been "their toughness".

"You can never write an Australian team off, and if you do, it is at your peril," Deans said. "I hope that trait remains, and we add a bit to it. There's a lot of talent out there, and there might be more than we realise."

As imperative is a positive team culture - similar to the Crusaders, who under Deans's reign have been the standout Super 14 outfit.

"I'm pretty keen we stand for something," he said. "It is more than just a win-loss sheet. Off the field is as important as on the field. It's not just about our time here and now, but serving our game well.

"You gravitate towards the lowest denominator whether it's on or off the field. If your standards are high off but low on, you tend to gravitate. And if your standards are high on, but low off, you tend to sink to the lower of the two. That's been my experience. It's a brief window these guys get, and the holistic approach to life is important. A player who just lives to play is generally poorer than the player who has some balance in his life. He tends to cope better with the fluctuations. It's like if you want a job done, you give it to a busy man."

Deans knows what busy means, as he juggles two coaching roles. But he argues he is not at a disadvantage in having to focus on the Crusaders until late May before taking over the Wallabies.

"People have often said to me why would I carry on with the Crusaders, but that's my way, I guess," he said. "And regardless of where I was going to finish up, here or with the All Blacks, that was always going to be the case. Sometimes you can sit around too much."

- Rugby Heaven