Ok I am willing to fully admit it. As a fan of the Wallabies, I am panicking.
Sunday morning’s defeat at the hands of the Pumas, refereeing decisions and laser controversies aside, was not what a team already lacking confidence needed less than 12 months out from a World Cup.
Hopes were high that coming off the momentum created by the Waratahs’ historic Super Rugby Championship would inspire the Wallabies to regain the Rugby Championship and perhaps even the sorely missed Bledisloe Cup.
Unfortunately for followers of the national side, it was not meant to be, as the Wallabies were massively outclassed by their greatest rivals the All Blacks.
Back-to-back losses to Springboks and the Pumas well and truly extinguished any faint hopes Ewan McKenzie’s men had of registering an unlikely series victory.
To make matters worse, Kurtley Beale was once again in the headlines for all the wrong reasons, leading once again to questions about the discipline within the squad.
With the World Cup in November next year, time is running out for the Wallabies to get it right per say.
In my opinion the ARU needs to get in contact with Waratahs coach Michael Cheika as soon as possible to bring him on board the Wallabies set up.
It wouldn’t necessarily be as the head coach, but more-so an assistant role, although I would fully support his appointment in the top job.
Although you couldn’t guarantee a World Cup win, or even a vast improvement, by adding the Waratah’s boss to the set up, I can’t see it as anything but an advantage.
Cheika got the most out of a previously underperforming Waratahs outfit.
He was able to get the most out of Kurtley Beale, who has unfortunately spent just as much time in the headlines for off-field reasons rather than his on-field form.
Most importantly, Cheika knows how to win.
Cheika’s close relationship and knowledge of the Waratahs, who are likely to provide a fair share of the Wallaby set up come World Cup selection, can be nothing but a weapon in the Wallaby armour.
Whether he’d be interested or not is up for debate, and whether or not the Waratahs would allow their coach to work both jobs is also unknown, but for mine, the option needs to be explored before it is too late.
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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