Stephen Larkham says he is getting close to finalising a deal with Wallabies coach Michael Cheika on becoming the national side’s attack coach.
Negotiations between the head coaches of Australia’s top two Super Rugby teams have dragged since the possible dream team pairing was first floated in October.
The one stipulation for Larkham has always been ensuring that his role with the Wallabies won’t adversely affect the Brumbies.
With the Super Rugby final on July 4, Larkham would have just an 11-week window to get his structures firing before the Wallabies’ first World Cup pool game on September 23 against Fiji in Cardiff.
Larkham says there isn’t any other real “sticking points” to address, just that both he and Cheika have been extremely busy preparing the Brumbies and Waratahs for this weekend’s Super Rugby season openers.
“I need to make sure the Brumbies’ program doesn’t suffer – Michael is across that, and he is fully aware of those stipulations,” Larkham said.
“We’re coming to some sort of an agreement soon.
“It’s just a matter of getting around to it.
“Obviously Michael is very busy with his Waratahs appointment, so he’s got to find time outside of that to do Wallabies stuff.
“So I guess you’ve got to expect things to run fairly slowly in that respect.”
MH01
Guest
Simon, Cheika is putting the Tahs before the wallabies, I am confident he is very aware of Larkham's situation, and probably is supporting him.
Golden
Guest
I think you're assuming that the foresight of Chieka is one and the same as the foresight of the ARU. Personally, I don't think they could be more at odds. I expect that Chieka will try and prove his idea works before declaring his hand on the matter, forcing the powerbroker to concede and agree rather than look like fools.
RT
Guest
Foresight in Australian rugby? I hope you're right.
Golden
Guest
I personally think Chieka is looking a little further down the road than the RWC. He is working to unite the clans (Aussie Provinces) to create a united approach to the Wallabies. By involving the Aussie Super Rugby Coaches more directly in the Wallabies plans, perhaps he is angling towards something a little more similar to NZ Rugby's structure.
Moreton Bait
Roar Pro
Jim McKay for 1
Bfc
Guest
Not sure Larham's ability as an 'attack coach' is proven as yet...he was the best attacking flyhalf we had but he has not been coaching for very long. And rarely are the 'best' players the best coaches... I still think the Wannabes would be best served by having the coaches working in that role full time. Have doubts that coaching a S15 side and then the Wannabes... Maybe get all of the Oz S15 coaches involved, as that would assuage those who harbour suspicions of state based nepotism/favouritism
ben
Guest
After settling on the best available coaches now all that is needed is mongrel in the pack.
Chivas
Guest
There was talk of Greg Mumm some time back. It seems to have gone a bit quiet on that front. Be nice to have a coach / assistant coach... someone who hasn't got current in season commitments. Chieka has a mammoth task. I personally think it is an awesome sacrifice he is making. He will be spread thin as a wafer biscuit then with all the normal state bashing, he will cop a whack of that, trying to pull together a team of support staff and have them in synch and setting goals for key Wallaby squad members before the internationals in a few months, handing over the reins of the Warratahs so he can focus more on the Wallabies, while not wanting to see the Tahs backslide and just become a motivational speaker... And all without a girlfriend on the side :-) I hope people pull together and get in behind. Win or lose, I just hope they do Australia proud. Sure they will. After all Aussie pride appears to mean a lot to the man in charge.. although he is still spread dangerously thin.
Fin
Guest
Get Foley on Board to address our set piece too. If the coaching team is good enough and committed then 11 weeks should be plenty. The players won't be available before that anyway.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
I think this can only be a good thing having Larkham run the backs. I think of greater importance is who Cheika appoints if indeed he does is a set piece coach.
Kane
Guest
If Cheika can head coach two teams then Larkham can head and assistant coach two teams.
Ken
Guest
Care to name the any of the attack coaches who are as good as Larkham? And If Larkham's role at the Brumbies is 'interfering with the national interest' what does that say about Cheika's dual Warratahs/Wallabies role?
Simon_Sez
Roar Guru
I would argue that there are as good attack coaches around as Larkham who are ready to take on the job now. Australia does not have the time for any "reluctant bride" grandstanding. Larkham is taking his new role at the Brumbies seriously but it is interfering with the national interest. I am surprised the pragmatic Cheika is allowing this to happen. It has the feel of some political compromise forced onto Cheika by that dope Pulver. I could be wrong and would be happy to be corrected.
MH01
Guest
This is a great combo, one capable of resurrecting the wallabies as a Rugby powerhouse....... if only they did the Wallaby job full-time. Im predicting neither the Tahs or Brumbies making the SR final, and wallabies not getting out of the group stages. Maybe 2016 will be a better year. Hope I am wrong.
armchair sportsfan
Guest
I understand both Cheika's and Larkham's point of view, and rationale for why they need to make sure their existing roles aren't impacted. But what a simply diabolical situation Australian rugby finds itself in, when during a world cup year the needs of the national side come last in the pecking order....