White a good option for Australia - Habana

Bryan Habana has backed Jake White to be a success with Australia should the Wallabies turn to the World Cup-winning coach.

White offered his services to Australia should they decide to dispense with the services of Michael Cheika after a tough 2018 that has only produced four wins in 13 matches.

Defeats to Wales and England this month have brought added pressure on Cheika’s position, leading to speculation White could be drafted in to lead them at next year’s World Cup.

Rugby Australia had planned to speak to White – who lifted the Webb Ellis trophy with South Africa in 2007 – but the body has since backtracked ahead of an annual review of the Wallabies’ performances.

But Habana, who played under White during his three-year spell with the Springboks, believes his former coach would be a good option if Australia decide to remove Cheika.

“I think it’s all rumours at the moment,” HSBC global rugby sevens ambassador Habana told Omnisport. “No one really quite knows what’s happening.

“Jake is a pretty technical coach that can achieve that at the highest level. He comes with a wealth of experience and he’s proven in the game.

“He’s a good coach but Australian rugby have also backed Michael Cheika publicly. It’s difficult to say what will happen.”

Bryan Habana is a HSBC global rugby sevens ambassador. He is working alongside HSBC to support the explosive growth of rugby sevens, helping the exciting and unpredictable sport thrive all over the world. Follow all the action at @HSBC_Sport on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.