Aussies back embattled Cheika

CONTRACT RUNS UNTIL 2019 Despite suffering nine defeats this year, Australian rugby bosses confident the team is on right track.

Michael Cheika has been backed by the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) to remain as Wallabies coach until after the 2019 Rugby World Cup at least, despite leading the team to nine losses this year.

The former Waratahs coach signed a contract extension in May through until the global showpiece in Japan, just months after his side made last year’s final against the All Blacks.

Since then, the Wallabies have been hammered 3-0 by a resurgent England at home, thrashed by the All Blacks three times and also lost to Ireland and a poor Springbok side.

ARU boss Bill Pulver said the coach still had his confidence.

“Believe me, Michael Cheika is under no pressure. None whatsoever,” Pulver told reporters in Perth yesterday, where he confirmed the city would host its first Bledisloe Cup Test against the All Blacks in 2019.

“He’s the coach through to 2019, and there’s no one better to do the job.”

The Wallabies had high hopes this season following their run to last year’s final and, with the All Blacks in transition after six stalwarts retired, the ARU’s eyes were on reclaiming the Bledisloe Cup for the first time since 2003.

Demoralised by their series loss to England, the Wallabies failed to reach any great heights during the season, though they did perform well during patches against the All Blacks in October and England last Saturday.

“I’m not pleased to have lost nine Test matches,” Pulver added. “And boy, let me tell you, Cheika isn’t either. But there are really encouraging signs in terms of talent coming through.

‘‘I think rugby fans are quietly comfortable with the way we’re developing players.”