The timing of Ewen McKenzie’s resignation could not have come at a worse time for the ARU. They were caught unprepared and consequently rushed to a poorly thought-out and negotiated resolution.
In the professional era there’s a reason every other nation has a dedicated head coach at national level. It is not a part-time job.
Perceptions of bias need to be eliminated. All potential players need to feel they have equal opportunities. No split loyalties etc. The current head coaching arrangements ensure none of that.
It’s untenable. It’s unworkable. ARU need to re-consider their priorities. Urgently.
On one hand they have agreed to allow Michael Cheika to remain contracted to the NSWRU-Waratahs to fulfil his current contract and concentrate upon a full Super Rugby season – a season where the Waratahs will defend their Super Rugby title.
You could argue this will be an extraordinarily intense and difficult season. But, in my experience, it’s always best to approach every season with the same intensity.
On the other hand the ARU are suffering financial woes and regard the national team, the Wallabies, as their primary source of revenue, the pinnacle of the game in the country. The Wallabies are within one Super Rugby season of competing at the Rugby World Cup. The best way to increase value in the Wallabies brand and attract greater attendances at future Wallaby’s matches, and additional sponsorship, is to win the Rugby World Cup.
Previously, the ARU had insisted that their number one priority was the Wallabies and Rugby World Cup. The current Head coach decision and arrangements give the impression that the ARU has compromised Wallaby Rugby World Cup preparations in favour of the Waratah Super title defence.
The decision is that Cheika will remain as the Waratahs’ full-time coach throughout the Super Rugby season and perform the role of Wallabies coach in a part-time capacity, until the Super campaign finishes. I am assuming here that he cannot perform two full-time roles simultaneously.
In other words, the logical inference seems to be that NSWRU interests have trumped ARU interests. And that the ARU priorities have changed with the Waratahs now becoming the ARU’s number one priority, replacing the Wallabies.
The poor performances of the Wallaby team on the 2014 end of year tour, the worst performance in 10 tours, seems to indicate this arrangement needs to be reviewed. The performances have revealed that much work is required at Wallaby level. I don’t think inducting Stephen Larkham from his first season as full-time head coach at the Brumbies (again on a part-time basis) makes a lot of sense either, but other Roarers might disagree with me.
If Michael Cheika is to be paid to be responsible for the Wallabies and their preparation for and performances at the Rugby World Cup he needs to be more specifically, and independently, involved and responsible on a full-time basis prior to the Rugby World Cup. Can any other approach be justified?
Unless the ARU has concluded the Rugby World Cup is a lost cause and has already thrown in the towel!
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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