Robbie Deans made a timely appearance in Auckland on Tuesday and, of course, discussion centred on the shambolic state of Australian rugby.
Speaking at a press conference to promote his book, Robbie Deans, Red, Black & Gold, Deans had no hesitation in expressing empathy for former Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie, who officially resigned after Australia's heartbreaking one-point loss to the All Blacks in Brisbane on Saturday, and endorsed Michael Cheika to assume the potentially poisoned chalice.
"When the worm turns, so to speak, it's challenging," Deans said of the similar plight McKenzie confronted.
"If sentiment turns it depends who drives the agenda and what their end in mind is. Having been over there and experienced the environment it's a tough, tenuous environment. It's not good for the game to see them struggle. Hopefully they'll respond constructively. It's very important to New Zealand rugby that Australia is competitive and strong."
Deans downplayed the much-hyped player power issues festering in Australia rugby but elaborated on the political influences he also faced from board members.
"They've changed the constitution and have the opportunity to create fully independent governance but they haven't take those steps yet," he said.
"There's still blokes who are actively involved in the game that have vested interests and allegiances and it's getting in the way, no doubt."
Cheika is said to have accepted a three-year deal to replace McKenzie. Deans backed the successful Waratahs coach to control the at-times disruptive personalities - the likes of Kurtley Beale and James O'Connor - and turnaround the Wallabies in time for next year's World Cup.
He also felt Cheika, a self-made man, would not let detractors get to him.
"He knows the context intimately. He's come out of the heart of it; out of Randwick. That was where he was a good appointment for the Waratahs. His personality doesn't get involved in the off field stuff. He drives the group to the things that are important and doesn't get distracted by the politics. That will be an asset. He might have to adapt some of his off-field antics...
"Cheika is very much an ambush merchant. His flame burns hot so he will get a lift out of the group. That's the nature of World Cup rugby; it's a one-off event. If they come through their pool [which also contains England, Wales and Fiji] effectively they're very well positioned.
"They've got the talent to win the next World Cup. That was evident in their last outing. They've won two World Cups and could be the first nation to win three."
Cheika is said to be keen on linking with Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham to oversee the backs and Michael Foley to work with the forwards. Unlike his turbulent tenure, where assistants were forced on him, Deans hopes Cheika gets to choose his support staff.
"That's going to be fascinating because they've gone from a situation where in many ways my hands were tied behind my back to where they gave carte blanche to Ewen. Where they go now will be interesting. Cheika is a bloke who will want the full range and the predicament suggests he'll probably get them.
"When you can't make all your own decisions you're not living spontaneously. It's like having an anchor you've got to pull."
Despite the latest troubles surrounding Beale, who will learn his fate at a misconduct hearing relating to lewd texts about former Wallabies business manager Di Patston this week, Deans believes the utility still had plenty to offer the code.
"I did a lot with Kurtley. He's a great kid. He's done some daft things, there's no doubt about that. He's vulnerable to the company that he keeps. That's the key. It would be a great shame to see him lost to the game. He's got a point of difference. He's a bloke people turn up to watch but clearly there's a bit of water to go under the bridge and I'm not privy to those details."
Currently serving a three-year contract with Panasonic in Japan, Deans reiterated his desire to hold the "ultimate coaching gig" - that of the All Blacks - one day. Super Rugby held less appeal, though.
After securing five titles in nine years at the helm of the Crusaders, it would be impossible to replicate such run. He also said it would be more difficult to coach the Blues against the Crusaders than the Wallabies against the All Blacks.
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