New Zealand coach Graham Henry is unconcerned by the prospect of Crusaders boss Robbie Deans benefiting from inside information when he takes charge of Australia later this year.
New Zealander Deans will guide the Wallabies’ bid to wrestle the Bledisloe Cup from the All Blacks after completing his final Super 14 season with the Canterbury-based franchise.
Questions have been raised in New Zealand over the possibility of Deans taking sensitive information on Kiwi tactics to their arch-rivals’ camp, but Henry feels that is just part of the game.
"It’s just a fact – it’s a reality of the business we are in," Henry told The Christchurch Press.
"It’s part and parcel of the deal when you take knowledge with you. I’m not concerned about that, no. It’s just part of being in the rugby environment.
"I think that all parties are keen to co-operate. I have a huge amount of respect for Robbie’s integrity.
"From what I can read between the lines, he is focusing on doing the right thing for the Crusaders. I don’t have a problem with that."
Meanwhile, Henry confirmed Crusaders flanker Richie McCaw would continue to skipper the national side.
"We have been delighted with the way he has always captained the side," he added.
"We will be starting with a clean sheet of paper. It’s a really good opportunity for these players; that’s the message we will be giving them and that’s the way it should be."
