Robbie Deans' Crusaders clapped and then cheered as the coach told them he had been successful in his bid to become Wallabies rugby coach - and would be staying on with his beloved red-and-blacks for the whole of the Super 14 season.

They had the privilege of knowing the Australian Rugby Union decision about 10 minutes before the official announcement the other side of the Tasman on Friday.

The Crusaders had generally gone along with a growing belief that their long-time coach would not be able to continue coaching them in 2008, if he was awarded the Wallabies job.

First five-eighths Stephen Brett said after Crusaders' training at Malvern Park that the ARU decision was not much of a shock. "As soon as he missed out on the All Blacks' job, I'm sure it was pretty much guaranteed he was going to get that Wallabies' job.

"And all congratulations to him, he's deserved it. I think he was very disappointed to miss out on the ABs, but he's got an international assignment which he wanted."

Both Brett and outside back Scott Hamilton indicated it was a massive bonus having Deans staying on with them.

"We thought he was off - we thought the NZRU wouldn't let him coach the Crusaders. No, we're definitely happy and we're happy to see him stay," Brett said.

"I think the boys would have taken it a bit hard to see Robbie go; he's a big thing in the Crusaders franchise."

Brett said he had no problem with a New Zealander coaching the traditional arch-rivals.

"Not at all, if it's a good coach. I reckon he'll do well for them ... and hopefully they don't beat us in the next World Cup, that's the big thing.

Crusaders assistant-coach Mark Hammett said it was reassuring Deans would stay for the Super 14.

"We've worked really hard for the last six months getting this campaign in place and to have that pulled out from under us would be difficult."

Hammett said the reaction when Deans made the announcement showed the respect he had in the Crusaders squad.

"A lot of players would find it hard to go across the ditch but he's passionate about trying to improve people and it's a hell of a challenge for him."

The Press