Michael Cheika backed as Wallabies coach by Australian Rugby Union despite horror season
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Australian Rugby Union (ARU) chief executive Bill Pulver has backed Michael Cheika through to the 2019 World Cup, saying the Wallabies coach is not under pressure following the team's worst losing year on record.
The Wallabies lost nine of their 15 Tests in 2016. It was the first time the team had lost that number of Tests in a calendar year.
The 40 per cent winning rate was the lowest since Eddie Jones led Australia to a 5-8 record (38 per cent) in 2005.
But while Jones was eventually sacked, Pulver says Cheika is not in the crosshairs at the moment.
"Believe me, Michael Cheika is under no pressure. None whatsoever," he said.
"He's the coach through to 2019, and there's no one better to do the job.
"I'm not pleased to have lost nine Test matches. And boy, let me tell you, Cheika isn't either. But there are really encouraging signs in terms of talent coming through.
Wallabies' records since 2005*
| Year | Win-loss | Win% |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 5-8 | 38.5% |
| 2006 | 7-5-1 | 57.7% |
| 2007 | 9-3 | 75% |
| 2008 | 9-5 | 64.3% |
| 2009 | 6-7-1 | 46.4% |
| 2010 | 9-6 | 60% |
| 2011 | 9-4 | 69.2% |
| 2012 | 9-5-1 | 63.3% |
| 2013 | 7-8 | 46.7% |
| 2014 | 6-7-1 | 46.4% |
| 2015 | 10-2 | 83.3% |
| 2016 | 6-9 | 40% |
* Eddie Jones' last year as Wallabies coach
"Michael Cheika and his coaching group have blooded 13 new Wallabies this year.
"If you look at this as a long-term game towards the 2019 World Cup, I think rugby fans are quietly comfortable with the way we're developing players."
Seven of the Wallabies' losses came against the top two rugby nations on the world rankings, New Zealand and England.
The Wallabies were horribly outclassed against the All Blacks, with their average losing margin across the three games a worrying 27 points.
The 3-0 series loss at home to England was another dagger in the Wallabies' pride.
But Pulver believes the short-term pain will eventually lead to long-term glory.
"We never like to call it a rebuilding year, because we take every Test match seriously," he said.
"One of Michael's focus points is to make sure you've got multiple players competing for the one position, and that leads to better performances and outcomes, and I think we're getting there.
"We've now got at least two players vying for every position."
Meanwhile, the ARU announced the new 60,000-seat Perth Stadium will host a Bledisloe Cup fixture in 2019.
AAP
Topics: rugby-union, sport, perth-6000
