Deans smells of red roses

New Zealander Robbie Deans has been nominated as a potential England coach as candidates are put forward to replace Stuart Lancaster.

England’s World Cup disaster has put instant heat on Lancaster despite him having a contract through to 2020 that would taken in the next tournament in Japan.

The manner of England’s loss and the consequences of being the first hosts to miss the playoffs has brought instant and predictable pressure on Lancaster.

England face a massive decision. Do they look for a different route or do they follow New Zealand’s lead and continue to invest in Lancaster as the All Blacks did with Graham Henry and Steve Hansen in the wake of their 2007 quarter-final disaster.

But this is a worse scenario than New Zealand’s nightmare, coming at a stage earlier, and the heat is clearly on as the dissection looks at Lancaster’s selection methods, coaching and game plans – all of which disintegrated under the World Cup spotlight at Twickenham.

The English media have been quick to shuffle through alternative coaching options and there are some familiar names being thrown forward, even the prospect of a foreigner taking charge. Deans, the former Canterbury and Crusaders maestro, All Blacks assistant and Wallabies coach, is among them.

Deans hasn’t been involved in test rugby since 2013 when his sixyear reign at the Wallabies came to an end after the home series loss to the British and Irish Lions. He has been coaching in Japan but he was on a list drawn up by the Telegraph.

‘‘Deans may well relish the chance of restoring his reputation with another shot at a national team.

‘‘Many felt that his style of man management was not suited to the temperaments of the Aussie squad at the time and would be far more successful with English players,’’ the Telegraph said.

Wayne Smith’s name has been mentioned in previous England scenarios though he has returned to the All Blacks fold for the current campaign.

Despite the pressures, the coveted position remains attractive given England’s massive resources and there is talk England might try to lure Warren Gatland from Wales.

The Welsh Rugby Union are confident that Gatland, who is thought to be the best paid coach in the world, will remain committed to the Red Dragons.