New Wallabies rugby coach keeping an open mind

0 Comments | AFP, December, 2007

SYDNEY (AFP) — New Wallabies coach Robbie Deans says he arrives in the job with no "historical baggage" to revive Australian rugby's declining fortunes.

The 48-year-old New Zealander, appointed on Friday for four years, is the first foreigner to coach the Wallabies, in a decision which has received almost universal acceptance within Australian rugby.

One of Deans's great strengths is that he comes in as John Connolly's successor from the outside and with an open mind.

"I come in without any historical baggage. I believe the (Super 14) franchises here have been under-achieving and that's a huge opportunity and something I'm keen to turn my hand to," Deans told his first press conference as Wallabies' coach here Saturday.

"I want my work to be...