Argentina’s rugby union players believe Michael Cheika is instilling belief into them that they can be world beaters.
The Australian coach is having an extraordinary week in two codes, leading Lebanon’s rugby league team into a World Cup quarter-final in Huddersfield against his homeland on Friday, before taking the Pumas to face England at Twickenham, the home of rugby union, on Sunday.
The Pumas aim to build on a promising Rugby Championship in which they defeated both Australia and New Zealand.
Cheika took charge earlier this year and the Australian, who guided the Wallabies to the 2015 World Cup final, has been credited with overseeing their revival.
He steps down after next year’s global showpiece in France, with three-quarter Matias Moroni explaining how Cheika’s grasp of player psychology is already having a profound impact.
“Michael has been working with us and the most important thing is the mentality. He has started to show us if we want it, we can do it,” Moroni said.
“He has been working with us on our mentality and giving us the confidence that we have a great team and great players. It’s showing in those of us playing in the Premiership and in France.”
Moroni, who swapped Leicester for Newcastle in the English club game over the summer, also departed Welford Road with a high opinion of the leadership skills of Ellis Genge, who will start at prop for England on Sunday.
“The way he led when we played at Leicester was by doing things,” he said.
“He talked really well also but also did his talking on the pitch and through the way he trains, the way he plays, the way he carries.
“He pushed the team to win the Premiership title last season but this weekend we are on different teams.”
© AAP
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