Get used to it Roarers, Michael Cheika will still be coaching the Wallabies at the Rugby World Cup in Japan next year.
But the events of the last couple of weeks must force him to read the tea leaves.
All Cheika’s moves this year have been channelled towards winning the coveted Cup for the third time, even though those moves have proved disastrous.
Winning just three internationals in nine outings so far is simply not acceptable, and with the All Blacks, Wales, Italy and England still to be played to see out 2018, the Wallabies are staring at four wins from 13.
The one glaring error Cheika has made is his treatment of David Pocock.
This week the 30-year-old took out his second John Eales Medal as the best Wallaby over the last 12 months.
Not only did Pocock win the coveted award by a binocular distance, but he also did it from number eight when he’s the best seven in the country, and from only eight of the 13 internationals in the voting period, having missed the earlier games while he was on his sabbatical.
Does Cheika need any further proof Pocock should be the first choice number seven, and captain, instead of Michael Hooper who can’t play anywhere else but seven?
The medal voting are the tea leaves – Pocock garnered 262 votes compared to Hooper’s 80, and he played in 12 of the 13 internationals.
Those votes were from within the Wallaby camp, but Pocock also took out the Qantas Player-of-the-Year as voted by the fans, making it a comprehensive wipe-out across the board.
So Cheika simply cannot afford to keep propping up Hooper to the continued detriment of the overall Wallaby performances.
It’s way past bite the bullet time, but better late than never to bench Hooper starting next Saturday against the All Blacks at Yokohama on the very ground that will host the Rugby World Cup final.
The John Eales Medal voting is the ultimate proof:
David Pocock – 262.
Lukhan Tui – 139.
Dane Haylett-Petty – 132.
Scott Sio – 124.
Marika Koriobete – 110.
Will Genia – 101.
Sean McMahon – 89.
Michael Hooper – 80.
But Cheika isn’t the only flaw in the Wallaby system – the players proved that in Salta.
How can the men in gold be so totally dominated by the Pumas in the first half to be 14 points down after four minutes, and 31-7 adrift at the break, yet win 45-34?
If they were thoroughbreds the whole lot of them would be hauled before the stewards immediately after the final siren.
One thing for sure, the Wallabies proved in Salta what they can do when they put their minds to applying themselves to rugby basics of catch, pass, support, retain possession and tackle.
Pretty simple really, but it’s impossible to understand why the basics are so constantly ignored.
Let’s see how they fare against the men in black on Saturday.
A repeat of the Salta first half and the dwindling remaining few Wallaby faithful will reach for the remote, and click off for the year.
And Michael Cheika in conjunction with his Wallabies have no one but themselves to blame.
Bakkies
Roar Guru
Particularly with a player who may not reach his peak. Too many unknowns.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
To be fair, Hoops isn't a full service 7 either. But if you assume that he is going to play, and in the forwards, this is the best scrum position for him. His speed and 1-on-1 tackling ability mean that in defence, he is going to cause the most trouble for the attacking backline. and In attack, ready to take an offload and make a break through enemy lines. If benching him is an option, Poey does all that, a fraction slower but can also provide some protection at the breakdown and some weight in the scrum, making room for a full service #8 mogrel that can also jump and lock, solving lineout and blindside problems simultaneously. The drawback is that 10& 12 will have to defend their own channels........ Players are given a game plan, it, not their skills, is the first place to look. Player skills and fitness should have been covered by the selection process.
Frank
Guest
There is no difference. While hooper is running around like a kid on red cordial someone has to play number 7
Russ
Guest
Your little 6 million dollar mate Hooper is locked in for 5 years EJ, so don't worry mate.
Scott
Guest
The same old tired BS .Still cant see it can you.? FFS
Roger
Guest
Awesome as AAA has talent, Hooper does not.
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
I agree - I see the benefits of 2-3 year contracts as outweighing 5 year ones.
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
Not particularly positively, but at least Alaalatoa is (1) on far less money, (2) is playing in a position where he is likely to improve at his age not decline – props usually peak later, 7s don't and (3) is playing in a position where we have far less depth.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
Anbd here I thought Hooper had also won the John Eales Medal twice. It comes down to preference and how the coach wants his 7 to play. I think Hooper is the way to go.
Bakkies
Roar Guru
Lampard had a knack of getting clutch goals to bail out the under performing team and paper over the cracks. Funny about that. As for Gerrard he was often accused of being selfish by running down blind alleys trying to do it all by himself.
Bakkies
Roar Guru
Djuro Sen's comments on a Ruggermatrix podcast highlight the malaise there. He basically said what we all thought that the players at the Waratahs and Wallabies were above doing the basics. The Brumbies also had a period under Tony Rea and Andy Friend where that occurred. From what I have been told the All Blacks spend 25% of their sessions on doing the basics. They can't move on to the stuff that is their level until they have nailed the basics first.
Bakkies
Roar Guru
Three year contract is fine. That's what the IRFU signed up CJ Stander, Peter O'Mahony and very recently Conor Murray on.
Bakkies
Roar Guru
It was mentioned way before that.
Bakkies
Roar Guru
Stillmissit agreed and it occurs at under age levels even as low as under 8s.
Worlds Biggest
Roar Pro
Yep your on the money there Rids, are you living up that part of the World mate ?
FatOldHalfback
Roar Rookie
Paul D -- completely correct
FatOldHalfback
Roar Rookie
GM that's right the number on the back is just for the audience it doesn't change how people play
FatOldHalfback
Roar Rookie
jcmasher -- you're not wrong
stillmissit
Roar Guru
riddler: You state the big problem EVERYONE plays politics in Australian rugby, from the top to the bottom. Even the lowliest subbies club is riddled (pun int.) with it. Trying to get any of them to agree on a plan to go forwards is impossible. Every coach has had to deal with it then add the players attitudes on top and its pretty bad.
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
It wasn't, Riddler, I've stated in very clear terms what my sentiment actually was - that he's a solid player and better than the lock we're currently playing out of position (Latu) and the guy who I think is well below the standard (Hanigan). You're intentionally choosing to twist my words and opinion to fit your point, and I have no interest in manipulative games.