Wash your mouth out: Cheika in trouble again
Michael Cheika has to be stopped.
Armed with a potty mouth and a volatile temperament, Wallabies coach Cheika, one of the loosest cannons to take charge of tier-one international rugby team in recent times, is at risk of making a goose of himself.
If he hasn’t already, that is. The latest incident, which involved Cheika appearing to say ‘‘f...ing cheats’’ during the Wallabies match against England at Twickenham last weekend, reacting to the TMO controversially denying a try to Michael Hooper, could result in disciplinary action.
Should he be charged he will have to attend a hearing in Edinburgh, where the Wallabies are preparing to play Scotland this weekend.
Cheika’s rap sheet isn’t clean, a reflection of his habit of spitting sparks at those who displease him.
In 2014 he was given a suspended six-month ban after he admitted abusing a cameraman during a Super Rugby match in Durban, South Africa. Sanzaar judicial officer Nigel Hampton found that Cheika, who was coaching the Waratahs against the Sharks, gave the cameraman a verbal spray at least twice, accompanied by finger pointing, and swore at him on at least one further occasion.
Hampton found Cheika’s evidence ‘‘unconvincing’’, and said claims his accusers had fabricated their evidence were made on his behalf.
Having noted the abuse was unprovoked and disturbing, but not threatening, Hampton stated the matter bore a number of striking similarities with past instances, particularly the use of foul and abusive language towards those charged with running a match.
‘‘The propensity of Mr Cheika to behave in this manner is disturbing,’’ Hampton said in a statement.
Cheika was ordered to pay costs of $6000 and apologise to the cameraman. Two weeks before he had broken a glass door – the exact reasons for his reaction were unknown – when the Waratahs played the Brumbies at Canberra Stadium.
In 2013 he was given a warning by Sanzaar. He also copped a large fine for abusing match officials during and after Stade Francais’ loss to Harlequins in the final of the 2011 Amlin Cup, Europe’s second-tier competition.
It’s clear that when it comes to showing respect and courtesy to others involved in the game, Cheika struggles.
Following the 30-6 loss to England at Twickenham, he was understandably bitterly disappointed. When asked about his alleged use of profane language by a TV reporter from beIN Sports his response was curt, confused and unhelpful.
It’s difficult for a coach to suppress their emotions following a loss. Recent footage of former Chiefs assistant coach Kieran Keane, now in charge of Irish club Connacht, being interviewed by Sky Sports following a defeat to Cardiff Blues accentuates that point.
Rugby needs colourful characters and Cheika has the ability to light up what could otherwise be dreary post-match dialogue with his rants.
These latest allegations, however, suggest he is either a slow learner or enjoys deliberately flouting the rules.
In 2015, following the Wallabies’ 34-17 loss to the All Blacks in the World Cup final in London, he was named World Rugby’s coach of the year.
At that point, even though he failed to rip the holy grail off the New Zealanders, Cheika was held in high regard. It was as if all his past indiscretions had been forgiven.
This latest incident drags him back to square one.
And he has only himself to blame.