Michael Cheika to coach Wallabies through to World Cup but independent selector likely to come on board
AN independent selector to challenge the views of Michael Cheika is likely to become the new model for his besieged Wallabies now he has been guaranteed the job to the World Cup in 2019.
Rugby
Don't miss out on the headlines from Rugby. Followed categories will be added to My News.
AN independent selector to challenge the views of Michael Cheika is likely to become the new model for his besieged Wallabies now he has been guaranteed the job to the World Cup.
Chief executive Raelene Castle said that Cheika had her backing and that of the Rugby Australia board to complete the final 15 months of his contract.
Strong support does not equate to accepting the worst of the malfunctioning parts in the 38-13 and 40-12 losses to the All Blacks, as Castle was quick to point out.
FEARS: Pocock has concerns over his long-term health
SNUBBED: Aussie stars at odds with Wallabies selectors
“Clearly, you can’t just ignore the performances,” Castle said on a visit to Brisbane to launch the National Rugby Championship.
“They are not acceptable so it’s about what we can do to support him to make sure he’s got what he wants to make sure the Wallabies are successful.”
Cheika’s record of one win from the past seven Tests has rightly put the Wallabies’ set-up under the microscope.
Losing to England, Scotland and Ireland (twice) is more concerning than losing to the world’s runaway No.1 team because those hurdles will need conquering to reach any World Cup final against the All Blacks in Japan.
When asked directly if there was any prospect of Cheika not seeing out his contract, Castle was clear on the “sacking” word.
“No. He’s contracted through to the World Cup, he’s got a plan, we’re across that plan, we are comfortable with it,” Castle said.
“Certainly, from our perspective, our support is behind Michael Cheika as we move into the World Cup.”
Castle flew back to Sydney on Tuesday for a meeting with Cheika to discuss what was learnt from the harsh Bledisloe Cup poundings and what’s needed against South Africa and Argentina.
A strong, independent voice offering input to Cheika and his inner sanctum of Steve Larkham and Nathan Grey on selection issues can only be a good thing.
A potentially contrary voice on issues like playing both David Pocock and Michael Hooper in the back row can only stimulate the best outcome.
Inviting a lineout guru like former Wallaby Nathan Sharpe to training before the Test at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday week may tune up a key area against a South African strength.
Castle did point to the obvious that Australia’s defence had been erratic.
Twelve tries were conceded and most with sub-par reactions to turnover attacks.
She did not say defensive coach Grey was under the pump.
“There’s different parts of the game where we haven’t performed, particularly around our defence, so that will be something to have conversations about,” Castle said.
“I don’t think it’s about changing what we’ve got (as coaches) but about what we can bring (in) from a wide rugby community that’s had significant success on the world stage.
“We’re going into two Tests against South Africa and Argentina (on the Gold Coast on September 15) which are a great opportunity to see the Wallabies in a winning environment.”
Cheika’s early call that he will finish five years in charge of the Wallabies at the end of the World Cup means Rugby Australia has broadly started thinking of a new coaching set-up.
“We’ve already started that process as any good business would to make sure we know what the process would look like post-World Cup,” Castle said.
Get 3 months free Sport HD + Entertainment on a 12 month plan and watch the 2018 Bledisloe Cup & 2018 Rugby Championship with no ad-breaks during play. T&Cs apply. SIGN UP NOW >
Suaalii’s new position revealed ahead of Super Rugby opener
After missing NSW’s final trial match against the Brumbies a fortnight ago, Super Rugby’s highest-profile recruit has been given a positional switch for his Waratahs debut.
Axed star opens up on controversial Wallabies snubbing
Langi Gleeson was invited to be part of the Wallabies training camp – as he pushed towards a call-up against the British and Irish Lions. And then it was brutally snatched away from him.