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A Gilbert has not yet been kicked this year, but the Wallabies’ World Cup chances have taken a hit with respected assistant coach Scott Wisemantel resigning.
Wisemantel, who coached alongside Eddie Jones with Japan and England, joined the Wallabies following the 2019 World Cup but has decided to abort ship nine months out from the tournament in France.
Rugby Australia were desperate to have Wisemantel stay with the Wallabies through to the World Cup, but the former rugby league back, who has two decades of coaching at the top of international rugby, has put his family first.
“While this has been a very difficult decision, it’s one that’s best for me and my family at this point in time,” Wisemantel said in a Rugby Australia statement.
“The World Cup is the pinnacle of our sport and requires 100 per cent commitment and that’s something I’m unfortunately unable to give at the moment.
“I’ve loved being with this team under Dave [Rennie] and wish them all the best for their season and in the World Cup later this year.”
Wallabies attack Coach Scott Wisemantel has resigned, leaving Dave Rennie (R) without an attack coach less than nine months out from the World Cup. Photo: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
He is the second high profile Wallabies assistant to resign in the past six months following Matt Taylor’s (defence) departure in August.
His departure leaves Rennie without the Wallabies’ most experienced international coach.
Wisemtantel is the only member of the Wallabies’ coaching structure with World Cup experience, having been a crucial member of Jones’ team in the past two campaigns.
He also knows the French rugby landscape like the back of his hand, having coached alongside former World Cup winning coach Jake White at Montpellier as well at Clermont and Lyon.
Indeed, a number of former Wallabies believe Wisemantel would have made for an excellent choice as head coach had he craved the top job. Instead, Wisemantel, who started as a skills coach for the Wallabies under Jones, developed into one of the game’s most respected attack coaches and never craved being the boss.
“Scott’s a top man and one of the best coaches I’ve ever worked with,” Rennie said.
“He’s hugely respected around the world, has a mountain of experience at International level and an incredible rapport with our players.
“While we did all we could to try and keep Scott, we respect his decision and wish him, Gabs and the girls all the best.
“He’s been a massive part of this group for the past three years and we’ll miss him.”
Scott Wisemantel (L) was one of the Wallabies’ most experienced coaches, having coached alongside Eddie Jones (R) at the 2015 and 2019 World Cup campaigns. . Photo: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
Rugby Australia is currently conducting its review of 2022, which saw Rennie’s side win five from 14 Tests.
Further changes could be made in due course, with scrum coach Petrus du Plessis under major pressure to hold onto his job.
RA is now going through the options for a replacement for Wisemantel.
Jones, whose experience is second to none and is someone who regularly oversees the attack, remains someone whose name continues to be linked with the Wallabies.
Elsewhere, RA could look to lure home Peter Hewat from Japan.
The former Waratahs star was developing a promising career in Canberra, having also led the Australian Schoolboys to victory over New Zealand across the ditch, before packing up to take a head coaching role with Ricoh Black Rams.
Brumbies assistant Rod Seib has since built a good reputation.
Reds assistant Jim McKay is experienced and has worked with many Wallabies, including current injured playmaker Quade Cooper.
Waratahs coach Darren Coleman was described as a “brilliant attack coach” by one source. While his assistant Chris Whittaker is an understated but developing assistant coach who was a brilliant halfback for the Wallabies and NSW.
Former national attack coach and Wallabies legend Stephen Larkham has only just returned to the Brumbies as their new head coach. While Larkham was brutally punted by Michael Cheika following an underwhelming 2018 campaign, the former playmaker was an assistant with the Wallabies during their run to the World Cup final in 2015.
Shaun Berne, who was rushed into the position in 2019 following Larkham’s axing, is no longer coaching but is currently in Sydney.
Experienced coach Alan Gaffney, who was previously with Ireland, meanwhile is sitting on the NSW Central Coast, but the former Randwick mentor has not coached for years and is well into his seventies.
Matt Giteau is a left-field option, but the Wallabies great is someone who has dipped his toe into coaching and played in three World Cup campaigns, including two finals.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.