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As Quade Cooper spat vitriol, his ex-teammate jumped to Cheika's defence
In the aftermath of Australia’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final loss to England on Saturday, it has not been pleasant for departing head coach Michael Cheika.
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It was expected that the 52-year-old would move on if the Wallabies did not win the RWC, and after the 40-16 loss to their old enemy in Oita, he confirmed that he would not renew his contract.
Since then, the knives have been out for Cheika, as he has faced a litany of criticism from players and journalists. He has been labelled selfish for his approach to the quarter-final and a far cry from the man that led the Wallabies to the RWC final in 2015.
Exiled flyhalf Quade Cooper was one player to turn on him on Twitter, saying “If he actually cared about Aus rugby he would have done it [resigned] a while ago.”
If he actually cared about Aus rugby he would have done it a while ago..
— Quade Cooper (@QuadeCooper) October 20, 2019
Cheika has fought back himself, and has taken a parting shot at Rugby Australia, criticising the structure of the organisation. But it largely seems like he is on his own in this situation to face a barrage of abuse.
However, 52-cap Wallaby James O’Connor has leapt to his coach’s defence, thanking him for giving him another chance in international rugby.
The 29-year-old had faced a six-year absence from the Wallabies team until he was selected for the Rugby Championship this year. After a promising start to his career, the utility back became a pariah of Australian rugby, and left to play abroad in 2013. But he said on Instagram that he has a “great deal of respect” for Cheika for allowing him back onto the Test scene.
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This is what he said: “When I was looking for an opportunity, you went out of your way to accommodate and provide me with the circumstance for a chance. I want to thank you for that and all you have done for Australian rugby.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/B31iEFHBTrC/?utm_source=ig_web_options_share_sheet
Although things may have turned sour in the final months, or even years, of Cheika’s tenure, he still delivered a Rugby Championship title and a RWC silver medal. While he may receive quite a backlash from the Australian public, it is good to see that some players are there to defend him as well.
Comments on RugbyPass
The value he brought to the crusaders as an assistant was equal to what he got out of being there. He reflected not only on the team culture but also the credit he attributed to the rugby community. Such experience shouldn’t be overlooked.
3 Go to commentsGood luck Aussie
10 Go to commentssmith at 9 / mounga 10 / laumape 12 / fainganuku 14
50 Go to commentsBar the injuries, it’s pretty much their top team …
2 Go to commentsDon’t disagree with much of this but it appears you forgot Rodda and Beale, who started at the Force on the weekend.
10 Go to commentsExcept for the injured Zach Gallagher this would be Saders best forward pack for the season. Blackadder needs to stay at 7, for all of Christies tackling he is not dominant and offers very little else. McNicholfullback is maybe a good option, Fihaki not really upto it, there was a reason Burke played there last year. Maybe Havilli to 2nd five McLeod to wing. Need a strong winger on 1 side to compliment Reece
1 Go to commentsTo me TJ is clearly the best 9 in the competition right now but he's also a proven player off the bench, there's few playmaking players who can come off the bench as calm and settled as he is, Beauden can, TJ can and I doubt any of the scrumhalves in contention can, if they want to experiment with new 9s I want him on the bench ready to step in if they crumble under the pressure. The Boks put their best front row on the bench, I'd like to see us take a similar approach, the Hurricanes have been doing similar things with players like Kirifi.
50 Go to commentsROG has better chance to win a WC if he starts training and make himself eligible as a player. He won’t make the Ireland squad but I reckon he may get close with Namibia (needs to improve his Afrikaans) or Portugal. Both sides had 1000:1 odds to win the RWC in 2023 which is an improvement on ROG’s odds of winning a RWC as a coach. Unlike Top 14 teams, national teams can’t go shopping and buy the best players - you work with the available talent pool and turn them into world beaters.
3 Go to commentsthat backline nope that backline is terrible why would you have sevu Reece when he’s not even top 5 wingers in the comp why have Blackadder when there’s better players no Scott barret isn’t an automatic the guy is more of a liability than anything why have him there when you have samipeni who’s far far better
50 Go to commentsAh, good to find you Nick. Agree with everything about Cale. So much to like about his game
51 Go to commentsNot too bad. Questions at 6, lock and HB for me. The ABs will be a lot stronger once Jordan and Roigard return. Also, work needs to be made to secure Frizzell back for next season and maybe also Mo’unga; they’re just wasting time playing in japan
50 Go to commentsOn the title, i wonder for many of those people it is a case something like a belief in working smarter, not harder?
1 Go to commentsForget Sotutu. One of those whose top level is Super Rugby. Id take a punt on Wallace Sititi Finau ahead of Glass body Blackadder.
50 Go to commentsI’m a pensioner so I've been around a bit. My opinion of SBW is he is an elite athlete and a great New Zealander and roll model. He has been to the top and knows what he's talking about. To all the negative comments regarding SBW the typical New Zealand way, cut that tall poppy down.
17 Go to commentsI'm not listening to a guy moralise over others when this is the guy who walked out mid season on Canterbury RLFC when he had a contract with them, what a hypocrite. All the Kiwis sticking up for this unprincipled individual because they can't accept justified criticism, he has zero credibility or integrity. Those praising him are a joke.
17 Go to commentsI’d put Finau at 6 instead of Blackadder but that’s the only change I’d make. Can’t wait to see who Razor picks.
50 Go to commentsTamati Williams, Codie Taylor, and Same Cane? Not sure about Hoskins Sotutu at test level. Wasn’t that impressive last season. Need a balance between experience and talent/youth.
50 Go to commentsInteresting insight. Fantastic athlete, and a genuine human being.
17 Go to commentsThey played at night in Suva last weekend and it’s an afternoon game forecast for 19 degrees in Canberra this weekend. Heat change is a non issue.
2 Go to commentsWishing Rosie a speedy recovery
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