It is time to brainstorm the options of a coach who has just taken over the national team on a spring tour.
Do you hire a manager that specialises in team logistics, the media or communication with governing bodies?
Do you turn gold into blue or unite everyone under the “Rugby World Cup journey” cliché slogan? Or do you simply get out on the paddock and focus on the footy?
Michael Cheika is now facing many tough decisions that didn’t exist a few days ago. One thing is clear – Cheika is his own man with his own coaching philosophy, and he won’t be rattled by this unique position.
Nevertheless, it’s worth speculating on how one could unite a team at such short notice. Place yourself in this man’s shoes an hour after you touchdown at Heathrow.
What would you do if you were the coach of the national team?
1. Have a drink with the players
Seriously. Kangaroo court or a meet and greet, call it what you want, but an informal bonding session of high quality, with coach and players together, would get things rolling nicely.
Former players Joe Roff and Toutai Kefu both claim the most important part of their preparation for the successful 1999 Rugby World Cup campaign was getting straight off the plane into a lengthy night of beers, laughs and guitar sing-alongs with their teammates.
Cheika is already known for bringing teams closer together via unique methods, such as celebrating those players entering fatherhood or marriage via team huddles with mini champagnes, and they are a welcome (and refreshing) concept. Sure, having a beer with the team might be old-school, but it is also genuine – two key features of a Cheika regime. It doesn’t have to be alcohol, but it is the UK, what else does one do over there?
2. Don’t upend the strategy
Maybe soon, but not immediately. Twelve days is nowhere near enough time to sketch a new game plan onto the whiteboard, let alone execute one on the field. Both Matt Toomua and Bernard Foley, the team’s playmakers, prefer an understanding of an overall structure, that has been in place for the past year.
What’s wrong with continuing in this fashion for such a tour? They did, after all, play a damn fine game of rugby only two weeks ago.
3. Put the ARU credit card behind the local Walkabout bar
Kidding. Well, sort of. You’ve just got a big pay rise and there would be no better way to test how far you can stretch your bargaining power with Mr Pulver. On second thoughts, maybe stick to point one
4. Catch up with the locals
When I say locals, I mean those Australian players currently acting as European locals. Such expats may become very useful coming into a World Cup year, should the ARU bend its laws around drawing on overseas players.
Have a game of Petanque with Matt Giteau and James O’Connor or a sneaky glass of red with George Smith. Catch up over a Guinness with the recently departed Kane Douglas and Honey Badger. Can’t hurt.
5. Dismiss results. Focus on the bigger picture
The results from this tour are insignificant in comparison with the journey ahead (cliché alert). If the team loses all five matches now, then wins all seven come Rugby World Cup 2015, it is the latter that will be remembered. Players will be returning to these grounds in less than 12 months with mountains of pressure – so why not enjoy this tour without any?
Don’t stress over the wins. Soak up the grounds, the atmosphere and the playing styles, and listen to a coach who has had proven UK success. Above all, enjoy the experience.
You are now the coach of the Wallabies, what’s your first move?
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
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