CHEIKA’S HEAD NOT ON THE BLOCK

Beleaguered Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has been give the dreaded vote of confidence that his job is safe until the World Cup.

The Wallabies suffered a horror year where they lost the June series to Ireland, were swept three-nil in the Bledisloe Cup and then beaten four times in the Rugby Championship before losing to Wales in Cardiff.

Fans have been switching off in their droves and support for the national team and rugby in general is at an all-time low, but Australian Rugby Union chief executive Raelene Castle said the axe won’t be dropped any time soon.

“At the end of the day, Michael’s contract is through to the end of the World Cup,” she said. “We’ve said that publicly and we continue to support that stance.

“There is a review at the end of every year. There’s no doubt that that’s become even more important because of our performances.

“But the review will identify the areas we need to focus on as we move towards that very important World Cup next year.”