Blues Super 14 coach David Nucifora is now the new front runner to coach the Wallabies.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported this morning that Nucifora is favoured by Australian rugby chief John O'Neill.

Crusaders coach Robbie Deans had been leading the pack but he is now favoured to take over the All Blacks job following their early exit from the Rugby World Cup.

It has also been reported that O'Neill and high performance director Pat Howard interviewed Nucifora last Saturday.

Nucifora has had success with both the Blues and Brumbies, winning a title with the Australian side before crossing the Tasman and taking charge of the Auckland-based team. However, his tenures at both franchises have been blighted by player revolts.

"David's well known to us, he's had great coaching success," O'Neill said. "We're delighted he's a candidate, but equally that doesn't create any level of favouritism."

O'Neill said the interview process would begin on November 9.