Cheika’s rant works magic on Wallabies

WITH the Wallabies trailing Argentina by 24 points after an appalling first half, coach Michael Cheika knew there was no time for mincing his words.

With his own job on the line if Australia lost, Cheika unleashed his fury on his players during the interval by questioning their heart and commitment to the Wallaby cause.

Poking players in their chests, he reminded them what the national emblem on the jersey represented and why they had to give their all.

“I didn’t go down there with a plan of doing that,” Cheika said. “I just wanted to say what I felt, because the game is personal. I wanted to just let them know how I felt.”

After their woeful first half, the Wallabies came out a different team, running in five unanswered tries as the Pumas imploded.

After just 24 minutes of the second half, Australia were in front for the first time. Then they scored again in the 66th minute and suddenly the losing streak was all over.

The win ensured the Wallabies avoided the wooden spoon and will remain seventh in the world rankings.

It will also provide some respite to Cheika and his team, who have been struggling to convince everyone they should keep their jobs.

“We’ve got full confidence in Cheik,” said fullback Dane Haylett- Petty said.

“We know we’re edging in the right direction but it’s just a bit too inconsistent at the moment and it’s up to the players, we need to respond better.”