Embattled coach gets ARU support

Australian Rugby Union boss Bill Pulver says Wallabies coach Michael Cheika’s position isn’t under pressure despite five straight losses culminating in last Saturday’s 42-8 thrashing by the All Blacks.

Pulver yesterday tipped a muchimproved showing in Saturday’s return clash with New Zealand in Wellington and reiterated Cheika would coach the team through to the 2019 World Cup.

‘‘Our national coach is hurting and really the entire team is hurting,’’ said Pulver.

‘‘That’s why I’m really confident you’re going to see a team that does play with a lot of pride on the line this weekend and I think you’ll see a far superior performance.’’

Pulver dismissed any suggestion Cheika’s job could come under scrutiny after starting the season with a 3-0 home series loss to England and last weekend’s embarrassing defeat.

‘‘No of course not, Michael Cheika is our coach right through the World Cup and he’s a world-class coach,’’ Pulver said.

‘‘At the elite level of rugby things ebb and flow and that’s what we’re seeing here. Our boys will fight back.’’

Pulver also vigorously defended the ARU’S change in selection criteria last year which allowed overseas-based players with seven years continuous service in Australia and 60 test caps to be selected for the Wallabies.

He brushed off criticism that bringing back veterans retarded the development of younger players and could cause division in the national squad. ‘‘I think it is a very good policy and I have complete sympathy for Michael Cheika’s approach,’’ Pulver said.