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VIDEO: Polota-Nau launches passionate defence of under-fire Cheika
By Tom Webber
Michael Cheika remains the right man to lead Australia despite increasing pressure on his position, says Tatafu Polota-Nau.
Criticism of Cheika's tenure increased after going down 38-13 to New Zealand in the Rugby Championship last weekend – it was the Wallabies' fifth defeat in their last six Tests, which includes a home series loss to Ireland.
Since finishing second at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, the Australia coach has overseen just 14 victories in 33 matches.
Polota-Nau accepted the players must share the responsibility with Cheika and threw his weight behind his former Waratahs boss.
"He's definitely the best man for the job," said the 33-year-old hooker.
"At the end of the day he only wants what is best for the team and individuals when we have one-on-one time with him.
"He actually brings a great blueprint for us to work off. If anything, it's more about how we take that blueprint and put it out there on the field.
"At the end of the day we're the guys out there on the field and only we can control what the plays are at hand.
"He's also a great motivator, getting us to be upbeat in every single session."
Melbourne Rebels lock Adam Coleman insisted there are no issues in the Wallabies camp, with Cheika and his backroom set-up having the full support of the players.
He said: "We've got full confidence in this coaching staff and we back them 100 percent.
"There has never ever been a question about that so I don't know where that has come from."
Australia have arrived in New Zealand ahead of the second Bledisloe Cup Test against the All Blacks at Eden Park on Saturday.
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Latest Comments
Hey genius, has there never been any athletes get away with it or have it covered up, ever? Again, just cause you're upset doesn't mean it's not true. But you should continue to support the Syringeboks.
Go to commentsThat absolute BS, when did you come up with this idea?
All three were well on track to being All Blacks. They simply decided it was smarter to take the money right now rather than slog on for another 3 or 4 years waiting for their opportunity to line up.
Many AB quality players have not even got the chance to earn a cap for heavens sake, it is simply as you suggest elsewhere, better utilization of global talent to have them qualify for another nation.
The only problem is that the ABs get all the best players, mostly because they pay more, and the island nations, even the home nations, just get those that can't make it or want a bit more limelight.
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