Wallabies coach Michael Cheika’s inability to reign in his emotions lets him down, says All Blacks counterpart Steve Hansen.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has described Michael Cheika as a “Mickey Mouse” Wallabies coach and delivered a damning verdict on his emotional frailties.
Hansen was speaking at a fundraising event in Wellington at which he may not have been aware his comments would be reported.
However, media in New Zealand picked up on the description of the Australian mentor, who oversaw a dreadful 2018 Test season during which his suitability to retain the role was questioned.
Hansen was asked to respond to the suggestion that Mickey Mouse could coach the All Blacks because of the quality of players at his disposal.
The long-serving Kiwi mentor replied “they’ve got Mickey Mouse coaching Aussie”, stuff.co.nz reported.
In a more telling critique, Hansen said it was possible to rile Cheika through psychological means to the point of distraction.
He said during last year’s Rugby Championship, players and coaching staff would simply refer to Cheika publicly as the Australian coach.
“Then he went on a tirade about not respecting him,” Hansen said.
“I guess what we’re trying to do there is take his mind off the job and while I say he’s not a bad bloke, he’s got to control his emotions.
“I think he’s got a good side, he does a good job of the coaching; but sometimes he just lets himself down there.”
Hansen said the All Blacks used the same ploy with other coaches, such as Wales and British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland.
It was a different approach for former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones, now in charge of England.
“He likes to be praised so we praise him,” Hansen said.
“At the end of the day I enjoy Eddie a lot because he’s passionate about the game.
“We speak to each other in season most weeks.”
Wal
Roar Guru
Here's a philosophical question, for the same money. Steve Hansen or Isreal Folau??
Fox Saker
Guest
You seem to forget TWAS that he was already part of the WC winning coaching team! And you seriously going to argue that Cheika has not made clown of himself at times in coaches box and at press conferences at times? He cut his chops in Wales so what - he is one hell of a coach now - the way he builds players into the AB roll and game plan is second to none. He makes tactical calls that are brilliant like replacing Conrad Smith with SBW at WC 2015 with instant results and it was tactical change as we all know. How many coaches would replace the best centre in the world and centre pairing at half time in WC final? Now he is building a game plan and team for WC and he said it is two year project in 2017 and said they may lose some games with tweaking it in 2017 - 2018 and it seems he was right. Will he win this years WC with AB's ? - who knows - the competition is getting better and better but I reckon he still has a few tricks up his sleeve that he hasn't revealed yet.
Eric Willis
Roar Rookie
I think the response was apt and very clever, plus a shot was fired at Hansen, "Micky Mouse could coach the ABs" Quick off the cuff retort, "He's already coaching Aussie" Now awkward moment stumbling to get out of pooh, however, it was a joke, we used to tell them once before everyone got so extra sensitive and offended.
MitchO
Guest
In fairness to Hansen it was funny.
lassitude
Guest
Wait ! You mean we've become Australians ??? Oh dear - I need to wash.
Scotty P
Roar Rookie
Even GOAT's have an expiry date. I feel he's reached that with the ABs and the same old message has become stale. Our performances since 2017 have been really worrying. All the games that we targeted to win we either lost or were lucky to win. I'm referring to the Lions series, the game against SA in Pretoria, the game against England last year and of course the Irish game. The team from 2012 to 2016 did lose the odd game too but I felt that they lost those games out of complacency etc, the games that they targeted they won and won well. Besides, this has nothing to do with coaching credentials, this is about staying classy.
stillmissit
Roar Guru
We gave Deans a pretty tough time on the roar, how do you think we would go when Hansen couldn't get them fit enough or pass, tackle and kick, let alone execute a couple of smart plays?
stillmissit
Roar Guru
TWAS: I think they would be great even without a coach. As Shane Warne said, "a coach is there to get you to the game". That's not true of the Wallabies but for the current and several older AB's and Aussie cricket in Warne's time it is a trueism.
Lara
Guest
Hansen got baited. According to Fox News Mark Ella threw out the line that MM could coach the ABs n Hansen took the bait. Strange ME hasn’t boasted about his catch. Apparently Drew Mitchell is now on the scene to evaluate the catch, n it is not up to scratch.....he was expecting something better.....but what do you expect when you use old bait.
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
Can't believe that so many have missed the real point; it is not Mickey Mouse that Cheika is similar to, it is Donald Duck. Can them Kiwis never get anything right outside the rugby paddock? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiTmBDq82ds x
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
Maybe he'd just take it on for the thrill of the challenge.
Danny McGowan
Roar Rookie
Dunno about namecalling, but certainly heard him tell a few porkies!!
soapit
Guest
all in the detail tho piru. he's not just bantering the rest of us aussies who have justlost a lot of rugby. hes doing it specifically to an individual whose only holding onto his job by the skin of his teeth and who looks next to no chance of turning it around.
AndyS
Guest
If he is a goat, it is probably why he should be careful about acting like a kid.
Ryan
Roar Rookie
Nope - us kiwis are confident, brash and in your face. Times have changed and long live the mighty All Blacks!!
Ryan
Roar Rookie
Scotty P - Disagree, Hansen's the coaching GOAT, he can say and do as he pleases. Cheika and Australia should cop it on the chin and get better.
CUW
Roar Rookie
@ Highlander dude , there are no traditions in this smart phone + social media world. in my country we have started to have a "phone bank " at certain events. everyone leave their phones at the entrance and take it when leaving.
CUW
Roar Rookie
Eddie is an Aussy .... SH really had a bromance with the former saffa coach dont think he liked PDV tho
CUW
Roar Rookie
Chieka put footy coaches to shame Watch Maurinho or Klopp on the touchline :D i wonder how many watch the galagher in england? have a look at Dai Yong of Wasps - he looks like he is sucking a lemon most times :P
piru
Roar Rookie
Or he's a Kiwi and enjoys bantering with Aussies like the rest of us.