Australia's Wallabies, once a force to be reckoned with in international rugby, have seen their fortunes dramatically decline in recent years. This downfall has been attributed to various factors, but one narrative that’s gaining traction is the impact of hiring New Zealand coaches—a move that some believe has caused the Wallabies to lose their "unique identity." The appointment of Kiwis like Robbie Deans, Dave Rennie, and now Joe Schmidt has sparked debate across the rugby community, with many questioning whether this trend has done more harm than good.
Robbie Deans was the first New Zealander to take the reins as Wallabies coach in 2008, a decision that broke with the tradition of homegrown leadership. Although Deans achieved some success, including leading the team to the 2011 World Cup semi-finals, his tenure ended in disappointment and controversy, particularly after the disastrous 2013 British and Irish Lions series.
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