It was well known throughout this time that Crusaders coach Robbie Deans was the favourite of ARU CEO John O'neil, however Deans made a decision to apply for the All Blacks coaching role instead.
Robbie Deans (born 1959), current Crusaders (Super 14) coach; former rugby union player and All Black, as well as a former All Blacks coach
Robbie Williams | Robbie Robertson | Robbie Coltrane | Robbie Mustoe | Robbie McEwen | Robbie McIntosh | Robbie Gee | Robbie Francevic | Robbie Fowler | Robbie Findley | Robbie E | Robbie Deans | Robbie Buck | Jaime Robbie Reyne | Robbie Ross | Robbie Nevil | Robbie Hummel | Robbie Fulks | Robbie Waterhouse | Robbie Seay Band | Robbie Robinson | Robbie Rivera | Robbie O'Connell | Robbie Lawson | Robbie Knievel | Robbie Green | Robbie Farah | Robbie Dynamite | Robbie Dennison | Robbie Brookside |
In September, Cooper tweeted infamous comments regarding his thoughts on the Wallabies set-up, which included criticising the defensive style-of-play and lack of player input under coach Robbie Deans, inadequate training and recovery facilities, and a "toxic environment".
When John Mitchell and Robbie Deans took over the coaching of the All Blacks from Wayne Smith and Tony Gilbert in October 2001 Randell was dropped from the All Blacks.