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Cheika to face Rugby Australia's Board following Wallaby performances 'that we can't hide from'
The miraculous comeback in Salta may have done little to release pressure from head coach Michael Cheika, with the 45-34 win papering over what has been a grim year in 2018.
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Rugby Australia CEO Raelene Castle admits that they cannot ‘hide from’ performances that have not been up to the level expected from the Wallabies team in an interview with Rugby.com.au.
“The reality is that of the Test matches we have played this year we are three from nine,” Castle said.
“So there are still some elements of performance that we can’t hide from that are still not up to the level that we would expect from a Wallabies team.
Michael Cheika is expected to report back to the Board of Rugby Australia and present a review of the Wallabies’ Rugby Championship campaign, as well as a forward-looking plan towards the end of year tour and World Cup.
“We are expecting that Michael will come and present to us around those performances and what his plans would be going into that end of year tour, and then into the lead up to the World Cup.
“Myself and the Rugby Australia board will take those comments on and move forward from there.
Castle hinted that the review will be a fairly honest appraisal but stopped short of indicating Cheika’s tenure was in jeopardy.
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“Michael recognises there are performances at a level that he wouldn’t accept from the Wallabies.
“At the end of the day Michael has a contract to coach through to the World Cup and that hasn’t changed,” Castle said.
For any coaching change, Castle explained that Rugby Australia must go through a diligent process before making the decision.
“In this world there has to be a process and some time,” she said.
“Has everyone got private thoughts on what those things might be? Sure.
“But the reality is we have a process and Michael needs to present that plan to us.”
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