Late Tackle: Can Cheika keep the critics away?

Australia head coach Michael Cheika desperately needs to bag a victory against the Springboks in order to restore the nation’s confidence in him.

Cheika has been under pressure after suffering a series defeat to Ireland in June and are currently winless in the Rugby Championship, following two consecutive defeats to the All Blacks – who also retained the Bledisloe Cup.

Former amateur coach of the Austin Huns in the United States, Australian Steve Robinson, believes Cheika needs to “keep the critics away for a bit longer” by beating the Springboks.

“He [Cheika] certainly needs to turn something around there and start getting some results. A string of losses for any coach isn’t a good thing and if that happens, then people start to question your position and what you are doing with the team,” Robinson told Late Tackle.

“Cheika needs to use this game against South Africa to notch up a win, gain a bit of confidence from the rugby community and show that he can get results. It’s hard to get results against the All Blacks, we know that – just about every international side struggles to do that.

“If he can get one over South Africa, then he can keep the critics away for a little longer,” he added.

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