Rugby: Deans fighting for Wallaby coaching future

SYDNEY (AFP) - Australian newspapers reported on Monday that rugby coach Robbie Deans's future was on the line after the Wallabies' shambolic loss to the Springboks in South Africa over the weekend.

The Springboks ended a run of five losses against the Wallabies to inflict a crushing 31-8 win in Pretoria on Saturday and push the Australians down to third place in the four-nation Rugby Championship.

New Zealander Deans was already under scrutiny following comprehensive defeats to New Zealand in the southern hemisphere tournament and hollow home wins over South Africa and Argentina.

The Australian media said Deans was fighting for his coaching future in next weekend's final Test against the Pumas in Rosario.