Deans punts Hammett as successor
Sun, 01 Jun 2008 09:11
Robbie Deans believes his successor should come from within the Crusaders fold following Saturday's Super 14 triumph over the Waratahs in Christchurch.
Deans enjoyed a winning end to his eight years in charge of the New Zealand franchise which culminated in a 20-12 Super 14 final victory - their fifth title during Deans' tenure and seventh in total.
And the 48-year-old, who heads to Australia to coach the Wallabies, believes his assistant coach of two years, Mark Hammett, is the ideal candidate to replace him.
Hammett was a member of the first Crusaders squad in 1996, playing 81 matches for the franchise between 1996 and 2003. He also played 29 Tests as a hooker for New Zealand.
Another Crusaders and Canterbury stalwart, Todd Blackadder, is also someone who Deans believes will coach the Crusaders at some point.
Blackadder, who has been a technical advisor with the Crusaders since returning from a stint in Scotland with Edinburgh, will guide Tasman in this year's provincial competition.
"The key to an organisation like this is the foundation," Deans said.
"Whoever comes in has to understand the foundation.
"He's (Hammett) been a foundation member from day one. You've got a guy like Todd Blackadder who's coaching Tasman. Both of those guys will coach the Crusaders at some point I would hope.
"The critical thing is whoever has the opportunity to build a pillar on that foundation needs to be someone who understands the past and is prepared to be courageous and build towards the future".
Crusaders captain Richie McCaw was asked how he would feel next month when he led his New Zealand team-mates out against a Wallabies team coached by Deans, who announces his first Australia squad on Monday.
"I haven't thought too much about it," said McCaw.
"It will be interesting. It's just the way it is in professional rugby.
"I don't think we'll approach it any different to the way we've always played the Wallabies.
"It's always a tough game and I'm sure it will be the same".
