Deans joins Wallabies job chase

New Zealander Robbie Deans has been granted a late interview for the vacant Australia coaching job after failing to land the same role with the All Blacks.

Deans missed out when the NZ Rugby Union opted to stick with Graham Henry despite his team's World Cup failure.

Australian Rugby Union chairman Peter McGrath said the Canterbury Crusaders coach will be interviewed this week.

"This in no way derails or affects the timing of the process already underway," said McGrath.

"If late in the day a coach with a record worth considering comes forward, then we should interview him and include him in the process along with the other candidates.

"The direction from the board to the selection panel was to find the best person and the ARU remains committed to that position."

The panel has so far interviewed Laurie Fisher, Alan Jones, Ewen McKenzie, John Muggleton and David Nucifora.

Deans had been tipped as the favourite for the New Zealand position after the NZRU advertised the job after the All Blacks' World Cup quarter-final loss to France.

The former All Blacks full-back has built up an impressive coaching CV with the Crusaders, guiding them to four Super titles, two other finals and a semi-final in eight seasons.

He was also an assistant All Blacks coach from 2001-2003.

Source: BBC Sport