Ewen McKenzie's tough love approach is the Wallabies coach's best asset, says Saia Faingaa

EWEN McKenzie's tough love approach to his coaching is the new Wallabies boss's best asset, according to Reds players.

EWEN McKenzie's Reds foot soldiers have singled out their coach's brand of tough love as the new national boss's best asset.

McKenzie was 20 minutes late to Reds training on Tuesday but there was no censure for the former tighthead who had dashed across town from his official announcement as Wallabies coach.

In keeping with his no frills approach, there was no cheering or fanfare on his arrival at Ballymore, just a smile, handshake, and a warm "congratulations" from Reds vice-captain and Wallabies halfback Will Genia.

And that was it.

Hooker Saia Faingaa was thrilled his provincial coach had been elevated to the country's top job.

Speaking before training, the former Brumbies rake did not hesitate when asked what was McKenzie's greatest strength.

"It's his management. He's a player manager," the hooker said.

"Different players have different needs and he understands that very well.

"He gets across everyone in the team and if you're not involved he tells you why.

"You know exactly where you stand with Ewen.

"He doesn't beat about the bush.

"That, honesty, for me, is the biggest thing.

"There's no sugar coating. You're either in the team or you're not."

Faingaa has spent the past six weeks in Wallabies camp, culminating with his cameo role in Saturday's series deciding third Test at Homebush.

For most of his career he has battled Stephen Moore and Tatafu Polota Nau for the Wallabies hooking spot.

It has been just as much of a scrap at home where Faingaa has not always been guaranteed the No. 2 jumper at the Reds.

That was why he understood perfectly McKenzie's yearning to become a Test head coach.

"It's a great honour, the highest achievement you can achieve as a coach," Faingaa said.

"As a player you aspire to play for your country and his aspirations would have been to coach the national team.

"He did it tough, went overseas, learnt more, and then built a team up from nothing."

The Reds have been planning for this moment for almost a year, and yesterday there were glimpses of the new era as McKenzie's deputy, Richard Graham, called all the shots at training.

It was difficult to miss the imposing figure of McKenzie as he strode purposefully onto the training pitch.

But the only whistles being blown belonged to Graham and senior assistant Jim McKay.

Further south, McKenzie's rival for the national post could see the sense in the appointment.

"He's got a phenomenal record for the Reds and the Waratahs," ACT Brumbies coach Jake White said.

"He's been there and done it in terms of Super Rugby, he's played for Australia.

"I wish him all the best."