As Quade Cooper spat vitriol, his ex-teammate jumped to Cheika's defence

In the aftermath of Australia’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final loss to England on Saturday, it has not been pleasant for departing head coach Michael Cheika.

It was expected that the 52-year-old would move on if the Wallabies did not win the RWC, and after the 40-16 loss to their old enemy in Oita, he confirmed that he would not renew his contract.

Since then, the knives have been out for Cheika, as he has faced a litany of criticism from players and journalists. He has been labelled selfish for his approach to the quarter-final and a far cry from the man that led the Wallabies to the RWC final in 2015.

Exiled flyhalf Quade Cooper was one player to turn on him on Twitter, saying “If he actually cared about Aus rugby he would have done it [resigned] a while ago.”

Cheika has fought back himself, and has taken a parting shot at Rugby Australia, criticising the structure of the organisation. But it largely seems like he is on his own in this situation to face a barrage of abuse.

However, 52-cap Wallaby James O’Connor has leapt to his coach’s defence, thanking him for giving him another chance in international rugby.

The 29-year-old had faced a six-year absence from the Wallabies team until he was selected for the Rugby Championship this year. After a promising start to his career, the utility back became a pariah of Australian rugby, and left to play abroad in 2013. But he said on Instagram that he has a “great deal of respect” for Cheika for allowing him back onto the Test scene.

This is what he said: “When I was looking for an opportunity, you went out of your way to accommodate and provide me with the circumstance for a chance. I want to thank you for that and all you have done for Australian rugby.”