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The Wallabies’ comprehensive defeat of Wales must have been quite satisfying for coach Michael Cheika.
The performance was a marked improvement on previous efforts this year in the southern hemisphere, where Australia had only won three of ten Tests.
Yet despite such poor results, there was no individual player set upon and held to account by the media or the public.
Instead, Cheika took the heat when he reacted to All Blacks coach Steven Hansen’s deliberate strategy to try and get under his skin. Cheika at times resembled the mad scientist during numerous public utterings.
Cheika took a beating in the media at times, as well-respected rugby scribes took him to task for the perceived emotional outbursts. While the focus was on the coach, the playing group was largely spared intense scrutiny over their performances.
The importance of Cheika drawing all the attention after poor results cannot be underestimated.
The Australian cricket team have only just completed their first Test match of the summer and already a certain Western Australian all-rounder and New South Wales off spinner are being savaged in the media and the public eye. Wallabies players had no such concern during their run of disappointing results as Cheika ensured the focus was all on him.
It must be said Cheika was on a hiding to nothing when it came to speaking his mind. He largely remained silent during the England series, despite numerous barbs by Eddie Jones. Cheika’s silence was perceived as a weakness by sections of the rugby community. Finally, when he did respond to New Zealand’s constant attacks, he was roundly criticised.
Whether or not it was a deliberate ploy by Cheika is irrelevant, because the results are speaking for themselves. At no stage this season, after a disappointing loss, did any reports of disharmony within the team or a disconnect between the playing group and the coach filter out of the Wallabies camp.
Cheika has taken some hits for the team this year and it is starting to pay dividends as he builds the nucleus of Australia’s 2019 World Cup side. Looking at the Wallabies from the outside, it is evident that the players respect the coach and play for him.
His coaching strategies and recent additions to the side exposed Wales on Saturday afternoon in Cardiff.
Two key planks of Cheika’s long-term plans, locks Rory Arnold and Adam Coleman, had tremendous performances against the Welsh. The intimidating pair dominated the lineout and were everywhere around the ground in both defence and attack.
Number eight, Lopeti Timani, was also important, getting over the advantage line and terrorising the Welsh when it was most needed. Cheika has the makings of a back row that will continue to develop over the next few seasons and will be peaking in Japan in 2019.
Cheika may have had his hand forced through injuries to Matt Giteau and Adam Ashley-Cooper, but the introduction of Dane Haylett-Petty and Reece Hodge has rejuvenated the Wallabies’ backline.
Haylett-Petty and Hodge have improved with every outing and are starting to look comfortable at Test level. The two were heavily involved in attack against the Welsh with their line breaks and support play.
Veteran Israel Folau is also benefiting from the faith Cheika has shown in his players. Almost every former Wallaby has called for a positional switch for Folau this season, as he failed to have his usual output.
Yet Folau remained largely out of media and public focus as he struggled through his first serious form slump in the 15-man game. The imposing fullback has responded to the support of the coach, and his last two outings in the green and gold have resulted in a healthy return to form.
Rest assured, despite a very difficult season and intense scrutiny, Cheika is not going anywhere. The Wallabies will win more games than they lose during the remainder of their Spring tour. The intensity of recent All Black encounters has benefited the Wallabies, as they appeared to be on another level against the Welsh.
Australia’s comprehensive defeat of Wales on the weekend would have had one very interested observer.
Eddie Jones will know the Australian team that England will face in early December, will be a vastly different proposition to what they encountered earlier this year.
This time the roles will be reversed, and it will be England coming off an extended break, looking for early combinations and form.
If Jones decides to direct some friendly advice Australia’s way again leading into the contest, he might be surprised at Cheika’s response. Cheika’s madness has served his players well this year and will once again allow them to prepare for an epic encounter out of the spotlight.
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.