Five reasons the All Blacks should worry about Michael Cheika

Michael Cheika

Cheika is more than capable of turning the tables. 

Here are five reasons why.


Style and substance

Not only were the Waratahs the best team of the 2014 Super Rugby season, they were undoubtedly one of the best to watch. 

They scored more points and more tries than any other team. They conceded fewer points than anyone else and managed to win over thousands of notoriously fickle Sydney sports fans with an attacking, never-say-die attitude best seen in a miraculous defeat of the Hurricanes in May. Trailing 24-7 after just half an hour, the Waratahs’ belief shined through and the boys in blue managed to level the score by halftime before running out 39-30 victors. 

A year before and the Waratahs would’ve folded to a humiliating defeat, but under Cheika they rallied for a rousing victory. 

Perhaps if the 47 year old was in the coach’s box last Saturday the Wallabies might have found a way to hold on. 


Good record against New Zealand teams

Cheika’s success against New Zealand Super Rugby sides is impressive. 

While the Wallabies haven’t beaten the All Blacks in forever, Cheika’s Waratahs have had a good run against New Zealand teams. In his two years at the helm, the Waratahs have won six of nine trans-Tasman encounters. 

The three they lost – to the Crusaders, Hurricanes and Blues – were all away from home but the wins include two triumphs over the then defending champion Chiefs and the Super Rugby final against the Crusaders. 

Does Cheika hold the secret to beating New Zealand teams and can he bring it to the Wallabies? 


He’s a proven winner

‘Cheik’ really came to prominence this year as the mentor who led the Waratahs to a maiden Super Rugby title, but his legacy stretches back much farther and spans the entire globe. 

His coaching credentials started with guiding club side Randwick to Shute Shield success in 2004 before joining Leinster and claiming the Irish side’s first ever Heineken Cup title in 2009.

A stint in France with Stade Francais preceded his appointment to the Waratahs. 


Experience in turning things around

Leinster were in a state of disorder before Cheika arrived. He righted the ship and, with off-field stability, steered them towards European success.

Something similar could be said of the Waratahs set-up when he was appointed at the end of 2012. That season yielded just four victories but Cheika established a winning culture and wasn’t afraid to make the hard decisions – including dropping Wallaby backs Drew Mitchell and Lachie Turner. 

Less than two years after joining the Tahs, they were Super Rugby champions and Australian rugby is hoping Cheika can do the same for the national team.


Larkham 

A name Kiwi rugby fans remember with equal parts bitterness, disappointment and awe. The chief architect of so many All Blacks defeats, Stephen Larkham could continue his reign of terror as the Wallabies’ backs coach under Cheika. 

‘Bernie’ worked at the Brumbies with Jake White before taking over the head-coaching role this season and would form a formidable partnership with Cheika and proposed forwards coach Michael Foley – a former Wallabies teammate. 

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