Wallabies coach Michael Cheika was under scrutiny by the media, but he came up with a firm yet measured response to one ABC reporter when asked about his thoughts on the positions of Bill Pulver as CEO and himself as coach.
The round of questioning comes after the Wallabies 24-19 loss to Scotland on the weekend.
Cheika fired directly back to the work experience reporter with a question of his own, asking what the reporter thought of his boss and whether he was loyal to her.
Getting responses to the affirmative, Cheika fired back.
“I’m loyal to my boss. I know where I stand. Loyalty is a huge value of rugby.” said Cheika.
“If you’re looking for me to criticise my boss who stands by us as best he can, you’re talking to the wrong bloke.” he added.
See Cheika’s full response in the video player at the top of the article.
Ruckin' Oaf
Guest
And perhaps herein lies the problem, the prioritising of loyalty over ability. It's probably how Donald Trump picks his team as well.
Jumbo
Guest
Plumtree is biding his time, to take the reins at the canes apparently.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
This one made me chuckle. Cheika's response was very clever and made a great point. But what if the reporter had said that his boss was a clueless tyrant driving the ABC into the ground. The response then would have been "rise up and force a change to save your beloved ABC". II can't be sure but felt like a plant with a pre-prepared answer, Cheika isn't that clever.
Drongo
Guest
No, a few drongos sitting anonymously behind keyboards doesn't constitute a 'nations outrage'.
Macadamia
Guest
The Nations outrage? Peanut....
Rebellion
Guest
You can't argue with his adamant claims to loyalty. He has certainly been very 'loyal' to his class of 2014 Waratahs. Dean Mumm - the Shane Watson of Australia Rugby (despite never having a purple patch in his test career) had to retire in response to the nation's outrage as 'Coach Chiek' certainly wasn't going to drop him.
Harry
Guest
Hmmm, not overly impressive.. Less emotion and overbearing attitude, more intent and focus please. Players shouldn't be excused. Were they up at 8 am practicing their kicking and lineouts?
Gayliot
Guest
Please ARU get John Plumtree in and let Nathan Grey go