ZCZC
BSP-12
RUGBYU-AUS-JPN-NZL
Cheika defends coaching staff as All Blacks loom
SYDNEY, Oct 18, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Michael Cheika defended the Wallabies
coaching team after a miserable season Thursday as he prepared for another
tough assignment against the All Blacks next week in Japan.
Cheika, who named three uncapped players in his squad, has some breathing
space after Australia’s stunning comeback from 24 points down at half-time to
beat Argentina 45-34 in Salta earlier this month.
There had been growing calls for the coach to be axed after six losses in
eight matches this season ahead of the trip to South America.
Cheika is due to meet Rugby Australia chief executive Raelene Castle and
other officials on Friday, to outline his plan through to next year’s World
Cup in Japan.
But he said suggestions of an independent selector or coaching consultant
were wide of the mark, and threw his support behind backs coach Stephen
Larkham, defence coach Nathan Grey and forwards coach Simon Raiwalu.
“Why do I believe in them? Because I’ve seen them do it,” he said of his
assistants.
“But what is important to note is that we do need to make some changes
perhaps in ourselves and how we operate,” Cheika added, admitting the team
needed more consistency.
“We’ve been inconsistent, the big thing is around what technique do we need
to be consistent,” he said.
“In a relatively inexperienced young group (of players), consistency is
always an issue. But I believe in them.”
NSW Waratahs lock Jed Holloway earned his first call-up after an impressive
Super Rugby season, while teammate and scrum-half Jake Gordon and Melbourne
Rebels flanker Angus Cottrell also got the nod.
The untried trio will be hoping to force their way into the squad for
Australia’s November Tests in Europe and make a late push for consideration
for next year’s World Cup.
MORE/MR/ 1118 hrs
ZCZC
BSP-13
RUGBYU-AUS-JPN-NZL-TWO-LAST
Queensland Reds centre Samu Kerevi also makes his return in the 31-man
squad after missing the entire Rugby Championship with a bicep injury.
The 25-year-old has not played since the third Test against Ireland in
June, with Reece Hodge starting at outside centre in all six games in his
absence.
But Tevita Kuridrani was again left out as he continues to recover from
injury.
The clash against New Zealand in Yokohama on October 27 will be a memorable
occasion for Sekope Kepu who is in line to become the Wallabies’ ninth
centurion, and the first 100-cap prop in Australian Test history.
Forwards
Jermaine Ainsley, Allan Alaalatoa, Rory Arnold, Adam Coleman, Angus
Cottrell, Jack Dempsey, Folau Fainga’a, Ned Hanigan, Jed Holloway, Michael
Hooper (capt), Sekope Kepu, Tolu Latu, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, David Pocock,
Izack Rodda, Rob Simmons, Scott Sio, Taniela Tupou
Backs
Tom Banks, Kurtley Beale, Israel Folau, Bernard Foley, Will Genia, Jake
Gordon, Dane Haylett-Petty, Reece Hodge, Samu Kerevi, Marika Koroibete, Jack
Maddocks, Sefa Naivalu, Nick Phipps
BSS/AFP/MR/ 1118 hrs