‘Aussie coach must thump the tourists’

Australia rugby chief Michael Hawker has told under-fire coach Robbie Deans he expects the Wallabies to “thump” the Lions.

Deans (above) has been under pressure after the Wallabies dropped from second to third in the world rankings and played a brand of rugby which delivered just 15 tries in 15 games.

“Every year is make or break for coaches,” said Australian Rugby Union chairman Hawker. “That’s the nature of coaching. I don’t think Robbie takes anything for granted.

“For us, I think everyone in the Australian public is pretty keen to win all the games. We’re pretty keen to try and thump them [the Lions]. Robbie will do the best he can to do that.

“In the board’s view we’ve got every chance of defeating the Lions. Next year is a huge year. The Lions tour always creates a huge wave of anticipation in this country.”