Michael Cheika’s Wallabies reign leaves sour taste, writes Andrew Slack

Everything former Wallabies coach Robbie Deans did, win, lose or draw, or indeed, get sacked, was done with good grace. This is not a term that could be associated with Michael Cheika’s tenure, says Andrew Slack.

Michael Cheika’s dress appearance at the World Cup wasn’t a good look.

• BEALE: Why Cheika is the best coach I’ve had

• HUGE: Jones refuses to rule out Aussie job

As charitable as my dear mother would like me to be in bidding a farewell, I can’t see the lingering image of Michael Cheika as anything other than a poor loser.

His final act as Wallaby coach - a dig at Rugby Australia’s administration - underlined the fact that while he sometimes verbally accepted the blame for poor results, he never really ever thought it was his fault.

I certainly don’t intend to stick up for everything RA has done in recent years.

Stream the Rugby World Cup 2019 on KAYO SPORTS. Every match Live & On-Demand on your TV, computer, mobile or tablet. Get your 14 day free trial >

Michael Cheika’s dress appearance at the World Cup wasn’t a good look.

Indeed, the majority of the code’s supporters have issues with much of their decision making, including the one that initially gave Cheika what amounted to dictatorial power.

Apart from a slight, and long overdue, realignment of responsibilities in his little cabal 10 months ago, Cheika pretty much enjoyed carte blanche for five years. So to have a crack at the mob that often let him do what he wanted seems a bit rich. A lot rich actually.

I recall Robbie Deans departure as coach after the 2011 World Cup. I had significant differences with him over his selections, but everything he did, win, lose or draw, or indeed, get sacked, was done with good grace. This is not a term that could be associated with Cheika’s tenure.

Robbie Deans did everything with good grace.

I understand his attitude of sticking up for players, and the post-exit support he has had from decent people like Matt Toomua, Will Genia, Mat Giteau and others, suggests he is a man who cared deeply about his charges. However, too often he forgot he was representing his country, not just its rugby team.

Some might consider this petty, but his appearance at the quarter-final with his Wallaby tie hung lower than half mast, suggested an individual who either wanted to set a fashion statement or likes to show off how much he marches to his own drumbeat.

Either way, it looked sloppy and puerile, which is a description that sits nicely with the way the Wallabies have generally performed under his guidance.

Cheika received support from some current and former players. Picture: Dan Mullan

His tactical naïveté was shown to extend beyond on field matters when, at the post match press conference, he had a crack at a journalist who had the temerity to enquire if he intended to resign.

He asked the interrogator to “find it inside ya to find a little compassion for people who are hurting. You should think about people’s feelings.”

Compassion? Please. The players are not sick children or victims of despicable crime. It was a bloody footy game and they are extravagantly paid professionals expected to perform, and when they don’t, required to have the maturity to expect and accept the inevitable barbs. Blind, angry criticism is frustrating, but reasonable, if negative commentary by qualified observers is part of the package.

I’ve lost a World Cup semi final in the closing minutes. I can tell you I felt sorry enough for myself not to need the world wasting their compassion on me.

He talked a tough game did Cheika, but maybe he’s just a big softie after all.

So, what and who is next?

There has been the inevitable suggestion of reviews and that must happen, but the key to getting the best outcome from those talkfests is having the best and most qualified people doing the talking and making the decisions.

RA’s head of rugby Scott Johnson must be involved, but someone else should chair any assembled panel.

World Cup-winning Wallaby centre Daniel Herbert has solid experience in rugby administration, player contracting and non-rugby related business. He also has no agenda outside the good of the game.

He’d be my first pick before we even think about the next coach.