Waratahs coach Michael Cheika under investigation for threatening a cameraman in South Africa

BOB Dwyer believes it would be a mistake to rub out the passion of Waratahs coach Michael Cheika, despite his latest alleged outburst.

Cheika heads back up the tunnel after remonstrating with officials.

BOB Dwyer believes the Waratahs shouldn’t look to douse Michael Cheika’s fiery attitude, despite the NSW coach coming under investigation for allegedly abusing a South African cameraman last weekend.

SANZAR are reviewing a complaint against Cheika made by SA broadcaster SuperSport after the Tahs’ loss to the Sharks at Kings Park on Sunday, where he allegedly threatened a camera operator on the sideline.

Cheika had gone to the sideline to speak with recently sin-binned skipper Dave Dennis when, according to South African media, he threatened the cameraman for filming in his face.

Cheika came down to sidelines during the Waratahs’ loss to the Sharks.

The match broadcast captured an agitated Cheika waving someone off out of shot, and also showed him walking off up the tunnel soon after, with sideline officials in attendance. Coaches are not allowed to sit on the field.

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SuperSport reported Cheika’s alleged abuse to match co-ordinator Piet Strydom, who relayed it to SANZAR on Tuesday in his match report.

A SANZAR spokesman said the matter was being reviewed by officials yesterday but would offer no further comment, and Cheika and the Waratahs also declined to comment about an ongoing investigation.

It is not the first time Cheika has found himself under scrutiny for his combustible behaviour.

Last month the glass door of the Waratahs’ coaches box at Canberra Stadium was smashed when an angry Cheika shoved it hard post-game.

With provocative timing, reports suggested the Brumbies yesterday sent the glazier’s bill to the Waratahs.

Cheika heads back up the tunnel after remonstrating with officials.

Last year Cheika attempted to phone referee’s boss Lyndon Bray straight after NSW’s loss to the Crusaders to talk through some contentious calls, and in 2011 Cheika was slugged a $A29,000 fine for abusing officials while coaching Stade Francais.

Upset at the refereeing in a narrow Amlin Cup semi-final loss, Cheika confronted match officials during and after the game and later admitted to making inappropriate comments.

There are numerous other examples of Cheika’s fiery temper overflowing dating back to his playing days for Randwick, but former Australia and NSW coach Dwyer believes it would be a mistake to try and rub out the passion.

“You need people who are passionate in charge of your game,” Dwyer said.

“Passion and volatility go hand in hand in my observation, and his players love playing for him, and love his directness and honesty.

“But on the other hand you certainly have to show respect for people as well. There’s a line there to be mindful of always.

“I would be the last bloke to criticise someone for blowing up. I did it myself a bit.

“Everything in moderation, but you don’t want to take away from him what he brings to the teams he coaches.”