Crusaders coach to link up with Robbie Deans to coach World XV in Japan

Scott Robertson will once again link‑up with Robbie Deans to coach on the international stage.

Crusaders coach Robertson and Deans will coach a World XV against a Japan XV at the Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Osaka on November 26, the night before the All Blacks play the Wallabies in Nissan Stadium in Yokohama.

Last year Robertson, who has coached the Crusaders to successive Super Rugby titles in the last two seasons, also worked alongside Deans when a World XV triumphed 47‑27 over Japan in Fukuoka on October 28 last year.

Deans, who won five titles as Crusaders coach between 2000 and 2008, is now in charge of the Panasonic Wild Knights club side in Japan.

The World XV will be powered‑up with internationals from the southern hemisphere, including several All Blacks which means Robertson is destined to reconnect with several Crusaders who are on short‑term deals with clubs in the lucrative Japanese market.

When Japan meet the All Blacks at Ajinomoto Stadium in Tokyo it will be the first time their coach Jamie Joseph, a former All Blacks back rower, has coached against his country's test team. The game against the World XV should be useful preparation, although the odds will be heavily stacked against the host nation.

Last year Deans also tapped up Robertson to assist him with the Barbarians.

The team played several games in the northern hemisphere, including an entertaining 31‑22 loss to the All Blacks in London on November 5.

[Source:Stuff.co.nz]

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