Rugby World Cup: Wallabies coach Michael Cheika supports England counterpart Stuart Lancaster
MICHAEL Cheika expressed sympathy for England counterpart Stuart Lancaster as the Wallabies immediately turned their focus to topping their pool.
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​MICHAEL Cheika expressed sympathy for under-siege ​counterpart Stuart Lancaster as the Wallabies immediately turned their focus to topping their pool in the wake of a huge win over England.
The Wallabies’ 33-13 victory over the host nation stamped their credentials as a genuine contender to win the World Cup after an emphatic performance under massive pressure at Twickenham.
Australia’s victory means it’s curtains for England’s World Cup however, and probably coach Stuart Lancaster as well.
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English media are already sharpening knives, and Lancaster apologised to the nation post-match for the humbling result.
But he found an unlikely friend in Cheika, who was asked about the pressure the England coach will now be under given the result.
“Our goal is not to put Stuart Lancaster in a difficult position,” Cheika said.
“Our goal is to play well, win games so we can try and get through what is a really difficult pool.
“I don’t wish that type of difficulty on anyone, because I have been there. I have been in tough times and it’s hard because you feel like you want to do more.
“I don’t know him very well but he seems like a very genuine guy, he’s very proud of what he does. I am sure he will bounce back.”
Lancaster has a contract until 2020 but his position is sure to come under review.
“Obviously, I think I have to think about it,” Lancaster said.
“It’s not one for now, we still have another week to go but as I said during the week, the responsibility and accountability rests with me. From my point of view, my priority is to get the team ready for Uruguay and I am not in control of anything else.”
Australia now face Wales in the final match of pool A, and the winner will top the group.
That could prove important given the second place finisher would likely meet South Africa, who have bounced back into strong form after their Japan shock. The winner would likely meet Scotland.
“We haven’t won anything yet,” winger Adam Ashley-Cooper said.
“We have got another pool game to play and we will review the situation after that. It’s all about improving and we don’t want to get ahead of ourselves. What we are doing together is something special but we haven’t won anything yet.”
While overjoyed with the win, Michael Hooper shared the same cautious mindset.
“It’s a good confidence booster for us … it’s pleasing that we’re starting to get to where we want to but there’s still a lot of work. We’ve got to rest, recover and review tomorrow and go from there,” he said.
Australia will await scans on Rob Horne’s shoulder injury, and possibly Matt Giteau’s sternum after the No.12 was left sore by Owen Farrell’s off-the-ball hit.
Israel Folau rolled an ankle and is expected to be fit to play Wales.
Originally published as Rugby World Cup: Wallabies coach Michael Cheika supports England counterpart Stuart Lancaster
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