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The Wallabies’ Rugby World Cup selection race remains wide open after they slumped to their worst European tour performance in almost a decade.
Saturday’s 26-17 loss to England at Twickenham left Australia with just six wins and one draw from 14 matches in 2014, with the Wallabies losing three spring tour Tests for the first time since 2005.
Michael Cheika, thrust into the coaching role only three days before the spring tour, insists positive steps have been made over the past month but concedes Australia face a huge challenge to be ready for next year’s tournament.
While many nations are beginning to settle on their teams and combinations 10 months out from the World Cup, the Wallabies look far from stable.
Only a handful of the current side could be considered locks for World Cup selection and, with only four Tests remaining before the tournament – none before July – the Super Rugby season will prove pivotal in shaping the final squad of 31.
Cheika said the outside backs and backrow remained the most hotly-contested areas while he’s also set to consider his options in the front row after scrum frailties were exposed badly by England.
The coach has laid out clear markers of what’s expected of incumbent players next year and the Waratahs mentor plans to keep in close contact with them.
Cheika will also keep a keen eye on progress of those returning from injury or overseas including leading hookers Stephen Moore and Tatafu Polota-Nau, backrowers David Pocock and Wycliff Palu, former problem child James O’Connor and code jumper Karmichael Hunt.
“I’m making the list all the time of players that I’ve got to be looking at over the next seven, eight months, really in detail, so I can make the right decision and not just guess when the time comes,” Cheika said.
“We’ve been really clear about what we’re looking for with each individual player.
“I think some guys are relatively stable in their performances but I don’t think everyone’s got to be picked yet.
“There’s some positions that are going to be hotly-disputed because of the number of players that are going in those areas.”
Among those who most impressed Cheika on tour were No.8 Ben McCalman, centre Tevita Kuridrani, prop James Slipper and halfbacks Nick Phipps and Will Genia.
Bernard Foley remains the front-runner at five-eighth but Quade Cooper’s strong contribution off the bench puts him in position to pressure for a starting spot.
Cheika is confident the players involved so far are embracing his push for a new playing style and team culture.
“I think the changes have started already around the intensity of preparation that’s required for consistency,” Cheika said.
“We want to have a really clear picture around what the team is, the team’s playing style and a clear identity of how you have to be when you come into this environment.
“If we can get that right, the results will follow.”
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.