The Citizen (KZN)

Angry Cheika vows changes

- Sydney

– Wallabies coach Michael Cheika (above) has demanded greater urgency from his players and promised team changes in the wake of their splutterin­g Test defeat to Scotland.

The Australian­s gave away two tries and could not make up the leeway despite dominating territory and possession to go down 24-19 to the resilient Scots in Sydney on Saturday.

The loss will have ramificati­ons with an imminent slump to sixth in the next world rankings – behind Ireland, Scotland and South Africa – the Wallabies’ lowest position since early 2015.

The Scottish defeat comes against the backdrop of a demoralisi­ng Super Rugby season for Australian teams and the negativity over the drawn-out Sanzaar saga to cull three teams from next year’s competitio­n.

Cheika, who cut a frustrated figure, said the Wallabies were “half-a-yard away all the match”.

Compoundin­g the loss was the Wallabies’ self-inflicted wounds during a dreadful opening half.

The Scots led 17-12 at half-time with both their tries coming off Australian mistakes.

Centre Duncan Taylor swooped on a poor Will Genia pass and flyhalf Finn Russell charged down Genia’s clearing kick for another try.

Only two tries from Israel Folau – one from a long ball from Bernard Foley and the other when the athletic fullback soared spectacula­rly to snatch Foley’s pinpoint crossfield kick – kept the Wallabies in the first half.

Yet despite the intensity ratcheting up after half-time and Australia hitting the front at 19-17 midway through the second half, Scotland roared back with a magnificen­t converted try by openside flanker Hamish Watson. – AFP

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