Tuesday’s rugby news has Cheika set for the top job, new assistant coaches, Hunt happy at the Reds and two major additions to the All Blacks squad.
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Cheika accepts Wallabies job
Waratahs coach Michael Cheika has confirmed that he will take up the head coaching role at the Wallabies, characterising the offer as “a humbling experience.” The sudden nature of the opening did complicate matters, as Cheika still has one year on his Tahs contract, meaning that any ARU appointment would need NSW approval.
“We would want him to coach us next season, so we are willing to work with the ARU on the solution and wouldn’t stop him obviously,” Waratahs chief executive Jason Allen said. Despite the short-notice, Cheika is reported to have secured a three-year deal before Friday’s tour departure.
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Larkham and Foley join new staff
A source close to Cheika confirmed that he was keen to bring in Stephen Larkham as an assistant coach and Michael Foley to work with the forwards. Cheika is planning to remain in charge of the Waratahs next season, with Larkham (Brumbies) and Foley (Force) to also stay with their respective provinces in the lead up to the 2015 World Cup.
Former Wallabies coach Bob Dwyer has defused any talk that Cheika’s role at the Waratahs would lead to a rift in the national team. “It is much less an issue now in the professional era with players moving around the states ,” Dwyer said. “Players talk and I’m sure they are more interested in knowing he’s an excellent coach.”
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Hunt embracing switch
Karmichael Hunt has said that his six weeks of training with the Reds have convinced him that the move from AFL’s Gold Coast Suns was the right choice. “My head is not as scrambled as my AFL transition,” Hunt said, emphasising his experience playing rugby in high school as well as his 2010 season with Biarritz.
While Hunt said he was concentrating on solidifying his spot as Queensland fullback, he added that he was confident of joining the Wallabies squad in the not-too-distant future. “I don’t doubt myself with making a transition successfully,” he said.
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All Blacks add stars
Steve Hansen has named his 34 man All Blacks squad for their tour of Europe and the US, which includes Dan Carter and Sony Bill Williams. Carter will replace Colin Slade after recovering from the effects of a broken leg suffered in the Super Rugby final. “He’s getting better and better all the time and he’s extremely confident of being able to play,” Hansen said.
After two seasons in the NRL, SBW has been rushed into the Test squad. SBW will return to a competitive midfield landscape, with Malakai Fekitoa having performed strongly at inside centre recently, adding to the instilled combination of Conrad Smith and Ma’a Nonu. [/one_half]
