Wallabies coach Michael Cheika says only an improved performance in Saturday’s second Bledisloe Cup Test can provide an adequate answer to criticism from rugby luminaries like Michael Lynagh.
Cheika chose not to fire back when asked about Lynagh’s stinging description of Australia’s “non-existent” skills and “schoolboy” errors, which he made in commentary for Sky Sports during last weekend’s 54-34 defeat to New Zealand.
“Where’s he? Over in England isn’t he?” Cheika said.
“If that’s how he feels, (we) can’t change it except for what we do on the field.
“There’s nothing else I can say to it really.”
Lynagh, who was Australia’s five-eighth when they won the 1991 World Cup, later revealed his offers to lend his expertise to the team had never been taken up.
The Wallabies are blocking out external critiques and focusing on turning things around as they prepare for Saturday’s rematch with the All Blacks at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.
Cheika said careful analysis had brought clarity to the playing group and coaching staff after the highly emotional fallout to Saturday’s loss.
“You’ve got to look at the game as a whole… the reality of the game and what are the things you can do to stop points,” he said.
“We’ll always trying to look for an answer, one single answer and it’s never one single thing.
“It’s about a collective of people doing a collection of things right on the day and at the right intensity; and that’s what we didn’t bring and that’s why we got beaten.
“The goal will be to bring that together this week.”
dirtyrottenscoundrel
Guest
+1 Far too easy deflecting when the ROOT cause is being totally overlooked.
Shane D
Roar Rookie
Has the best defensive mindset the wallaby set up.
Mike Huber
Roar Pro
Of course Pulver did not reply - jealous Lynah is a better businessman than him, probably a lot richer to !
Bakkies
Guest
Did you see his response to a tweet on the weekend? He said expressed interest in offering his help to Australian Rugby however the ARU didn't reply
Armchair Sportsfan
Guest
"And we want to go out there and really deliver on our game plan for the full 7 minutes" ...ahhh..i think i've found the wallabies problem....
Dsat24
Guest
English Rose Gold
Nostradamus
Guest
Untill Rugby gets it act together in relation to Junior development it doesn't matter who the coach is. We are just not producing the quality of player required. Im sick to death of hearing about the players that have gone from RU to RL because it is a more realistic chance of becoming a professional.
Mike Huber
Roar Pro
No - he is in England chasing pounds as a Stock Broker . I believe he is now a Managing Director of a trading company - he would be worth quite a bit as this has been his vocation since he left Rugby . Very respected in the business community in London.
Ralph
Guest
"The boys have been really turning it on in training, we're training extremely well. I feel confident come Saturday that they'll give 110%."
Gonzo
Guest
But Jerry ended up admitting that he watches Melrose Place.
Adsa
Guest
I used to work with Knoddy in Brisbane and that is a very good summary of the man.
krasnoff of noosa
Guest
Arrogance and stupidity seem to be Cheika’s predominant qualities. Question: Give an example of one-dimensional rugby. Answer: Imbue the thought in your players that only ‘in your face running rugby’ must be played—the kind the coach played (and not very well) in his day. The coaching staff blame the players inability to defend while the players take ‘selfies’ of themselves and family after the match—savoir-faire. And a new, somewhat complex defence system has been introduced to facilitate the fact that our attacking players are not good defenders! What rubbish! Surely examples are legion of good club players who can do better than leak 48 missed tackles in a game! So, it seems the wrong players are selected and those that are playing at national standard lack basic skills. We need a change in coaching or it will be more of the same and the few Oz fans left, will grind down what’s left of their teeth in sheer frustration and anger.
StevieB
Guest
Jerry's reaction is priceless too, really taking the advice on board
Isupport2teamstheAB'sandanyoneplayingAustralia
Guest
You know him that well or just talking thru your ass?
Sage
Guest
....I know you are you said you are. I'm sure we'll look back at this time one day and take some positives but for now, give us strength
jameswm
Roar Guru
That reminds me of a George Constanza line when he was explaining to Jerry how to beat the lie detector. I think Georgie said: "It's not a lie if you believe it".
jameswm
Roar Guru
Will they run away with it in the last 20 (like they usually do)?
Offside
Guest
"“Where’s he? Over in England isn’t he?”" Yup, with Eddie Jones and other Australian legends, busy preparing Brits to rip you a new one Cheks. Duh!
Offside
Guest
(insert thumb emoji here). Very well said......shoulda, coulda, didna. Red flags anyone?
Offside
Guest
At least he didn't say " that's what we did in the second half and we got results". The real stinger of Lynah's criticism is Lynah played in the amateur era and yet had higher skill execution standards than the Wallabies of today, an entire generation into professional rugby. The ARU would do well to bring in someone like Lynah. He's removed from the players so won't have "favourites". He is a very analytical thinker of the game which is what made him such a great first five. He has old school discipline and standards and won't take any crap from the players. And he'll bring a truly fresh approach. Unfortunately, I know the ARU's record....