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Wallabies lose assistant coach eight months out from World Cup
By Finn Morton
The Wallabies have been dealt a stunning blow eight months out from this year’s World Cup, with assistant coach Scott Wisemantel making the “very difficult decision” to resign.
Wisemantel has been part of the Australian coaching setup for about three years, having re-joined the national team before the 2020 test campaign.
The veteran coach, who has 20 years of experience to his name, had worked alongside Eddie Jones at England before returning to Australian shores.
In a statement from Rugby Australia, it was revealed that Wisemantel has left his role immediately so he can do what’s “best for me and my family.”
“While this has been a very difficult decision, it’s one that’s best for me and my family at this point in time,” Wisemantel said.
“The World Cup is the pinnacle of our sport and requires 100 per cent commitment and that’s something that I’m unfortunately unable to give at the moment.
“I’ve loved being with his team under Dave and wish them all the best for their season and in the World Cup later this year.”
After a disappointing international campaign last year, this news has come as a shock as the Wallabies look to turn their fortunes around ahead of the sports premier event.
Coach Dave Rennie said the Wallabies will “miss” Wisemantel, who has “been a massive part of this group” for a few years.
“Scott’s a top man and one of the best coaches I’ve ever worked with,” Rennie said.
“He’s hugely respected around the world, has a mountain of experience at international level and an incredible rapport with our players.
“While we did all we could to try and keep Scott, we respect his decision and wish him, Gabs and the girls all the best.
“He’s been a massive part of this group for the past three years and we’ll miss him.”
According to the statement, Rugby Australia will begin their process to find Wisemantel’s replacement.
“A process will now be undertaken to find a replacement to fit into the Wallabies coaching structure and any additions will be communicated in due course,” it read.
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Latest Comments
No he's just limited in what he can do. Like Scott Robertson. And Eddie Jones.
Sometimes it doesn't work out so you have to go looking for another national coach who supports his country and believes in what he is doing. Like NZ replacing Ian Foster. And South Africa bringing Erasmus back in to over see Neinbar.
This is the real world. Not the fantasy oh you don't need passion for your country for international rugby. Ask a kiwi, or a south african or a frenchman.
Go to commentsDont complain too much or start jumping to conclusions.
Here in NZ commentators have been blabbing that our bottom pathway competition the NPC (provincial teams only like Taranaki, Wellington etc)is not fit for purpose ie supplying players to Super rugby level then they started blabbing that our Super Rugby comp (combined provincial unions making up, Crusaders, Hurricanes, etc) wasn't good enough without the South African teams and for the style SA and the northern powers play at test level.
Here is what I reckon, Our comps are good enough for how WE want to play rugby not how Ireland, SA, England etc play. Our comps are high tempo, more rucks, mauls, running plays, kicks in play, returns, in a game than most YES alot of repetition but that builds attacking skillsets and mindsets. I don't want to see world teams all play the same they all have their own identity and style as do England (we were scared with all this kind of talk when they came here) World powerhouse for a reason, losses this year have been by the tiniest of margins and could have gone either way in alot of games. Built around forward power and blitz defence they have got a great attack Wingers are chosen for their Xfactor now not can they chase up and unders all day. Stick to your guns its not far off
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