Waratahs Super Rugby winning mentor Michael Cheika is set to be announced as the new Wallabies coach this afternoon.
The Australian Rugby Union has called a 12.30pm (AEDT) media conference in Sydney to unveil the coaching appointment following several days of negotiations.
Cheika, who guided the Waratahs to their maiden Super Rugby title this year, is expected to have secured a three-year deal to replace Ewen McKenzie, who resigned on Saturday following Australia’s 29-28 Bledisloe Cup loss to New Zealand in Brisbane.
After what has been one of the most turbulent periods in Australian rugby, following the Kurtley Beale-Di Patston saga, the ARU and Bill Pulver have moved quickly to secure the future coach of the team, with the CEO insisting they have a leader before the team leaves for the end of year tour on Friday.
The press conference has been called for 12:30pm AEST, and stay tuned to The Roar for the big announcement.
Will Sinclair
Roar Guru
Possibly a bit early to be making these sorts of accusations mate?
Brett McKay
Expert
Except that it's Ben, not Chris mate...
Red Kev
Roar Guru
I would have paid a lot to read Spiro's article if that had happened!
Red Kev
Roar Guru
Great call on Whittaker - noone knows more about team-first in Australian rugby than Anthems! Sad to see Ben Alexander still in the side instead of Weeks or Alo-Emile.
AndrewWA
Guest
I'm writing this now as I don't want to join the "I told you so" brigade in months to come. I truly hope that the appointment of Michael Cheika provides the best outcomes for Australian Rugby: (a) Back-to-back Super XV titles for the Waratahs; and (b) A successful RWC campaign for the Wallabies. Unfortunately, I think having the same coach over the next 12 months will make these goals mutually exlusive: (i)The Wallabies coach needs to work closely with the other 4 Aussie SXV coaches to gain the good oil on the status of ALL contenders for the Wallabies' RWC squad. There is no way that these coaches are going to share confidences re players' strengths, weaknesses, niggling injuries, fitness and skills programs with an opposition SXV coach. Nor will they share this information with any of Cheika's Assistants who may be roaming the games. Their KPIs and livelihood is based upon the best possible outcome for their own franchise. Australian rugby will be the stronger of the other 4 teams are working hard to stop the back-to-back by the Tahs. (ii) Cheika will not be able to attend many games outside those including the Waratahs without this effecting his role at the Tahs. (iii) I predict an even stronger leaning towards the Waratahs in Wallaby selection which will mean opportunity lost to enhance what should be a good team by adding the best of the rest. Toxic team environments arise from strong cliques within the player group and lack of recognition of the best player for each position and building the mix into a great team. (iv) Even the best Waratahs team will not win the RWC but the best Wallabies team has a chance. I expect that Cheika will give the challenge his best shot but the worst possible outcome for Australian rugby would be a mediocre performance on both counts.
Red Kev
Roar Guru
Smart of Cheika to completely avoid the Beale stuff.
Common Sense
Guest
I would absolutely burst out laughing if Jake White was introduced instead!
Brett McKay
Expert
Announcement is being streamed live on http://www.foxsports.com.au .....
Argyle
Roar Guru
I was think of Matt Hooper (Richard Dreyfus) from the Jaws movie actually! Show me the way to go home.... I am thinking Brendan McKibbon may make the tour as back up to Phipps & Genia. I am also thinking Ben Alexander may get cut maybe for Paddy Ryan or Paul Alo-Emile to come in.
Red Kev
Roar Guru
Yeah, I mean it's not as if abusing staff members has any consequences at all now.
Ben
Guest
Excellent.....now we can get on with building on last weekend. I just watched the game again and we played great without doubt the better team lost. Let's stick it to the northern lads next month
Will Sinclair
Roar Guru
The bloke is a living legend, and the cards might be falling his way. A talented team and a short lead-in to the RWC - he can just encourage them to swing the club without worrying too much about the consequences.
formeropenside
Guest
Really, MC is making his coaching conditional on retention of a player who sexually harasses people?
Hoppers
Guest
In other words let the games continue. This will set a horrible example for sport in Australia and for our kids.
Red Kev
Roar Guru
James Hooper (whoever that is), not Michael.
Steve
Guest
In regards, to your 3rd question about Beale, after watching the Back Page on Fox last night, the talk is Cheika has demanded that Beale remains as part of the Waratah's and Wallabies set up. It was alluded to by the journo's on the panel, that this was a non negotiable before Cheika accepted the post of Wallabies coach.
Red Kev
Roar Guru
There's a couple of Fox Stories attributing Hooper to saying "No Beale = No Cheika" It's Fox so make of that what you will.
Argyle
Roar Guru
Morning all, Some questions? 1. Will any regulars be cut from Cheika's touring squad? 2. Will any bolters make the tour? 3. Will Kurtley Beale remain an employee of the ARU?
messa
Guest
about time
Hog
Guest
Wow, a carpet and a broom please. -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.