Wallabies coach Michael Cheika must win coming games to avoid Rugby Australia showdown
WALLABIES coach Michael Cheika has been given Rugby Australia’s backing, but further losses will force his employer to take action.
Rugby
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MICHAEL Cheika will not have to explain his selection decisions to an overseer just yet.
After meeting with Rugby Australia officials earlier this week and earning their backing, the under-fire Wallabies coach will be given leeway to turn around the team’s performances against South Africa and Argentina in looming home Test matches.
However, it’s understood if the Wallabies’ performances do not improve a number of options will be considered, including replacing Cheika.
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There has been speculation that an independent selection boss would be brought into the Wallabies’ set-up to quiz Cheika over his weekly selections.
That will not be happening any time soon, and is likely to be rejected in any case by Cheika, who is an authoratorian figure.
Much rests with the results of the Brisbane Test against South Africa on September 8, followed by the Argentina game on the Gold Coast the following weekend.
With both teams holding a win apiece over each other, the Wallabies languish in last place in The Rugby Championship after successive thrashings to the All Blacks.
It was the same last year, before Australia mounted a comeback to finish second, after two draws against the Boks and two wins over the Pumas.
After six defeats from seven games, Cheika is under increasing pressure and must win the next two games.
With the Wallabies leaking 78 points in two games against New Zealand, defence coach Nathan Grey is also in the spotlight.
But RA has heard Cheika’s plans for reinvigorating the side in time for next year’s World Cup campaign and will tentatively back him for now.
They are also aware of growing fan disenchantment, however, and would be forced to take action if the Wallabies continue their losing streak.
Meanwhile, former Wallabies coach turned England boss Eddie Jones is facing his own crisis.
After a charmed run when he took over in 2016, Jones is now under enormous pressure as key staff leave his coaching set-up.
The latest departures include Australian sports scientist Dean Benton and team psychologist Dan Abrahams.
This follows the departure of defence coach Paul Gustard and attack coach Rory Teague.
British media reported that Jones had tried to hire back former defence coach Andy Farrell but was rejected.
Jones has recently brought in former All Blacks coach John Mitchell as an assistant.
England host South Africa, the All Blacks, Japan and the Wallabies in November.
Some are suggesting if they do not win three of those four games, Jones will be sacked by the RFU.
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