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Once the saviour of Australian rugby, Michael Cheika’s cries of foul at being persecuted by World Rugby’s referees are falling on the deaf ears of frustrated fans.
As the hopes for a Wallabies grand slam slipped away with a heart-stopping loss to the Irish over the weekend, the Australians were on the wrong end of a 13–3 penalty count, and as such his bleating may be seen as valid.
However, where a pattern is evident in the mounting penalty count, Cheika is dangerously flirting with stupidity, the definition of which is doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results.
The Wallabies have responded to his demands for physicality by struggling to find a balance between being aggressive and disciplined, with a whopping eight yellow cards in their last eight outings.
Since making a dramatic run to the world cup final last year, unlike other top nations, including old foes England and New Zealand, Australia has gone backwards, euphemising their eight losses from a possible fourteen games as a rebuild.
The Wallabies stamped their credentials on the world cup with an impressive display against the Welsh, earning praise from pundits for their brick-wall defence when limited to 13 men with Wales camped inside the Australian red zone.
Fast forward 13 months. Dean Mumm is sent off in the 23rd minute for a lifting tackle on Irish prop Tadhg Furlong, and the men in green cross the line not a minute later. Ireland would proceed to win by a mere three points, quashing Australia’s hopes of the elusive grand slam.
Two weeks earlier a reckless shoulder charge from late replacement Will Skelton before he received his marching orders made for another close game, the Wallabies almost letting a victory against the Scots escape their grasp before limping to a one-point win.
With a 43 per cent winning ratio for 2016 it’s hardly a season to write home about. However, with Cheika looking to lay blame on the refereeing, it may be time to adapt to law interpretations rather than lamenting them.
Love or loath him, recently retired All Black Richie McCaw’s unmatched talent to bend the rules was reflected in his captaincy and playing capabilities, a constant thorn in his rivals’ sides. For reference, the number seven great received a total of three yellow cards across a 148-test career.
Over 2016 the Wallabies have conceded 155 penalties, averaging almost three extra indiscretions per game than their opponents, earning the favour of match officials in only four of their 14 test matches, closely paralleling their unenviable win-loss record.
Cheika himself has admitted the hopelessness of taking his concerns to World Rugby’s referee boss, saying, “I’ll go through the proper channels… and see if we can get something, but I doubt it.”
The Wallabies head coach’s uncompromising approach was effective when toiling as a hard-headed number eight for Randwick; however, a more malleable approach may be required when tackling the ever-evolving rugby laws.
As the Wallabies look to finish their season on a high and make amends for the June three-test series whitewash loss to England, discipline will be key, with Farrell’s sharp shooting inflicting 17 of his sides 27 points against the Pumas last weekend.
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.