Cheika safe, says Castle

Underfire Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has the full support of the Rugby Australia board and will see out his contract, says CEO Raelene Castle.

But at the same time, Castle said the governing body ‘‘can’t just ignore’’ the team’s below-par performances across the first two Bledisloe Cup tests.

But Castle said there was no prospect Cheika would be sacked before the end of his current deal, which runs out after the 2019 World Cup.

‘‘He’s contracted through to World Cup. He’s got a plan, we’re across that plan, we’re comfortable with it,’’ Castle said.

‘‘But clearly, you can’t just ignore the performances, they’re not acceptable.

‘‘So it’s about what can we do to support him to make sure he’s got what he needs to make sure the Wallabies are successful as we lead into that World Cup.’’

your eye, you’re excited’ and he’s like a kid with a brand new toy, which is great. Mentally he’s in the right place and now we’ve just go to get him physically finished and he’s into it.’’

While Coles is still a couple of weeks away from running out for Wellington, another All Black will play for the Lions against Southland on Friday.

Halfback TJ Perenara has been belatedly released, presumably with an eye to him then starting New Zealand’s next Rugby Championship match, against Argentina in Nelson on September 8.

Flanker Ardie Savea will also be in the Lions’ lineup and should come into contention to run on against the Pumas, given the head knock Sam Cane took in Saturday’s win over Australia.