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Michael Cheika came in for some criticism when he retained his NSW Waratahs post after securing the Wallabies’ coaching job.
However, he says having more Super Rugby coaches on the Australian staff will go some way to restoring some of the lost lustre of the Wallabies’ jersey.
Cheika on Friday announced former Wallabies Stephen Larkham and Nathan Grey as his Australian assistants for the 2015 Test season and World Cup campaign.
Both are employed by Super Rugby sides – Larkham as Brumbies head coach and Grey as Waratahs defensive coach – and will continue in those roles, the same as he has maintained his NSW head coach posting since taking control of the Wallabies.
He also revealed Western Force coach Michael Foley is one of five contenders for the vacant Australian set-piece coaching role.
He said having Super Rugby staffers in the Australian set-up had increased communication with players and he predicted it would keep players’ minds on the gold jersey.
“We’re doing a couple of things that are a little bit left-field that are keeping the players in touch with the Wallaby jersey,” Cheika said.
“We don’t want them to concentrate solely on that and forget about Super Rugby. But we want them to be seeing and smelling that gold jersey in the background and how important it is going to be for them.
“We want that to be special so that it’s always there and always a motivation because I think some of that lustre had gone.
“And I want to make sure that lustre is there.”
Cheika said holding the dual roles was not proving to be a conflict of interest and his opposition Super Rugby coaches had been open with him.
“If anything, we’re going to get a better result technically because three of the Wallaby coaches are working in two of the teams,” he said.
“We’re all making little gives.
“Never before have I spoken to the other coaches on the phone when I was NSW coach.
“The other night, I was talking to (Queensland coach) Richard Graham on the phone and we were talking about a few things. He’s been unbelievably open with me.
“Stephen the same, (Rebels coach) Tony McGahan and I’ve spoken to Michael Foley. We were speaking about issues around player contracting and stuff like that.
“There’s a real element of trust.”
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.