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Wallabies coach Michael Cheika is close to securing a scrum guru in the hope of solving Australia’s set-piece woes before next year’s Rugby World Cup.
Cheika flagged an overhaul of Australia’s scrum after it was dismantled – once again – by England at Twickenham in the final Test of the Wallabies’ spring tour last month.
Tired of watching the Wallabies pack being pushed and shoved around, Cheika said technical and strategic changes were essential for Australia to compete with pool rivals England and Wales at next year’s global showpiece in Britain.
Sources close to Cheika say he is poised to add a big-name “been there, done that” scrum technician to his coaching unit.
Understood to have already held advanced discussions, Cheika was tightlipped when asked about the speculation, saying only that he hoped to finalise his entire coaching team in early January.
Andrew Blades is currently Australia’s forwards coach, while Cheika’s NSW Waratahs assistant Nathan Grey also accompanied him on the four-Test spring tour to assist with the backs.
It is not known if any new scrum coach would be an addition to his Wallabies staff, or replace Blades.
While World Cup-winning hooker and former Wallabies assistant coach Michael Foley was mooted to have been in the mix for a return to the national ranks, he is committed to the Western Force.
Cheika’s star recruit is more likely to be from another country.
When appointed as NSW Waratahs coach at the end of 2012, Cheika travelled to New Zealand to persuade former All Black centre and Crusaders assistant coach Daryl Gibson to join Super Rugby’s perennial under-achievers in Sydney.
The wily coach also sold his vision to Crusaders and All Blacks great Andrew Mehrtens and his astute recruiting culminated in Gibson and Mehrtens helping the Waratahs land an elusive Super Rugby championship this year.
Cheika won’t be afraid to cross enemy lines again for the Wallabies cause.
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.