The prospect of appointing a New Zealander as the next Wallabies coach has set alarm bells ringing in Australian rugby circles.

Former players and coaches have called on the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) to stick with an Australian instead of giving the job to a foreigner.

Five Australians, Laurie Fisher, Alan Jones, Ewen McKenzie, John Muggleton and David Nucifora, have all been interviewed for the job.

But New Zealand's Robbie Deans is suddenly looming as the favourite after the ARU agreed to grant him a late interview when he missed out on the All Blacks position.

Former Australia coach Eddie Jones said he had his doubts about whether Deans really wanted the job after losing out on his first choice.

"There is no doubt they have to try and find the right candidate, the only thing I'd question is does Robbie really want to coach Australia," Jones said yesterday.

"You've got to have someone who wants to coach Australia, not coach Australia because he missed out on another job."

Jones's comments came after McKenzie, who had previously worked as an assistant coach, said he feared a foreign coach might neglect the lower levels of club rugby for the sake of the national team.

Deans will be interviewed by the ARU this week with a decision on the coach expected before Christmas.