Category: Rugby

Los Pumas climbed the World Rugby Rankings after breaking their losing streak in home Tests with victory over South Africa, while there are also gains for Paraguay and Colombia.

On the same day that Beauden Barrett starred for the All Blacks with four tries and a stunning 30-point contribution to New Zealand’s Bledisloe Cup-clinching 40-12 victory over Australia, Argentina fly-half Nicolas Sanchez also shone for Argentina as Los Pumas finally brought an 11-match losing run in The Rugby Championship to an end against South Africa in Mendoza.

Sanchez produced a ‘full house’, scoring one of Argentina’s four tries as well as kicking three conversions, a penalty and a drop goal in a 32-19 victory that helped make amends for last week’s 34-21 loss to the Springboks in Durban and also lifts Los Pumas above Fiji, into ninth, in the World Rugby Rankings.

Argentina raced into a 27-7 half-time lead at Estadio Malvinas Argentinas thanks to a quickfire double from Bautista Delguy and Sanchez’s effort in the 27th-minute. Ramiro Moyano went over for the fourth Argentine try shortly after the break before replacement Lionel Mapoe crossed twice to add to captain Siya Kolisi’s first-half try.

South Africa drop below Scotland into seventh place in the rankings as a result of losing 1.48 rating points, equalling their lowest position since the rankings were introduced in October 2003.

Meanwhile, in Auckland, Barrett displayed the sort of form that has seen him win the World Rugby Player of the Year Award for the last two years.

The Wallabies, just as last week, took the game to New Zealand in the first half and levelled the score at 7-7 courtesy of a Will Genia try, but tries from New Zealand in the final minutes of the first period and opening stages of the second killed off any hopes of a first Wallabies’ win at Eden Park in 32 years.

Barrett crossed twice in each half with New Zealand’s other tries coming from Joe Moody and Liam Squire just after the break. Reece Hodge got a second for Australia in the 54th-minute but, by that stage, the All Blacks were running riot.

New Zealand and Australia’s ranking is unaffected by the result due to the large points differential between the world number one All Blacks and the Wallabies, ranked in fifth.

Like Sanchez, Paraguay fly-half Sergio Alvarenga used every method of scoring to contribute 23 points to Paraguay’s 45-36 defeat of Mexico in the opening match of the inaugural Americas Rugby Challenge.

The victory lifts Paraguay above Zimbabwe and into 37th place in the rankings.

Tournament hosts Colombia are also up on the rise, climbing three places to 40th, following their comprehensive 71-7 victory over Guyana in the second match on Sunday.

Los Tucanes fly-half Manuel Diosa was on course to eclipse the achievements of all the aforementioned fly-halves having bagged a first-half hat-trick and 26 points in total but was subbed off at half-time as Colombia rang the changes.

Guyana drop two places to 48th as a result of the defeat and the loss of 0.79 of a rating point.

World Rankings
Previous position in brackets

1 (1) New Zealand 94.52
2 (2) Ireland 90.12
3 (3) Wales 85.94
4 (4) England 85.68
5 (5) Australia 83.96
6 (7) Scotland 83.02
7 (6) South Africa 81.84
8 (8) France 79.10
9 (10) Argentina 77.02
10 (9) Fiji 76.54
11 (11) Japan 75.24
12 (12) Tonga 73.84
13 (13) Georgia 73.13
14 (14) Italy 72.56
15 (15) USA 71.66
16 (16) Samoa 68.28
17 (17) Romania 68.25
18 (18) Uruguay 65.37
19 (19) Russia 64.89
20 (20) Spain 63.09

With thanks to World Rugby

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With the new Guinness PRO14 season less than one week away from kick-off, it’s time for us to preview the teams from Conference B.

BENETTON

Last season: 5th in Conference B
Head coach: Kieran Crowley

It’s continued steady progress from Benetton and more of the same in 2018/19 could begin to yield a play-off push. Within seven points of Irish outfit Ulster, yet on a squad with far less financial might or individual quality.

The gulf between Italian rugby and its European counterparts is so large that progress often seems an unenviable task, but the gap in quality, especially over the last two to three seasons, has decreased massively.

10 wins, including scalps over the Ospreys, Scarlets and Leinster in Dublin, shows this Benetton side are far from the pushovers of old. Still not able to attract the calibre of player they would like but what they lack in sheer quality they make up for in other ways.

Few will bet on Ulster being as average as they were last year so the seven-point gap between the two sides should widen this term and fellow Conference B sides don’t look like dropping off enough to allow Benetton a sniff of play-off rugby. Nevertheless, they are a side on the up and will no doubt cause an upset or two once again this season.

Player to watch: If Benetton are to continue improving then they will need Tommaso Allan firing on all cylinders. The Italian fly-half helps elevate the Treviso-based side to heights that years ago would’ve been beyond them. If his pack that can give him the kind of ball he needs Allan is a man to keep tabs on.

DRAGONS

Last season: 6th in Conference B
Head coach: Bernard Jackman

Two wins across 21 contests tells a story in itself for the Welsh region. In recent years the Newport outfit have done little more than make up the numbers but new investment could bring about a change in fortunes.

Marquee signings Ross Moriarty and Richard Hibbard arrive from Gloucester and boss Bernard Jackman will hope they can influence proceedings at Rodney Parade.

The Southern Kings and Connacht were the only sides to be beaten by the Dragons and the Welshmen didn’t pick up a single win on the road. Their problems appear considerable, ranging from a lack of player quality, depth and ability to go on the road and win.

The positive is that the only theoretical way is up. League position shouldn’t be a gauge of their progress this term but more how they equip themselves.

Player to watch: Welsh back-row Ross Moriarty left Gloucester after little playing time in 2017/18 but, the season prior to that, he earned himself a spot in the Lions squad and that’s no easy feat. Hugely physical, he will bring a ferociousness desperately needed by the Dragons. Go-forward ball is something he can provide alone, the hard task is using it but in Moriarty they have the first piece of the puzzle.

EDINBURGH

Last season: 3rd in Conference B (quarter-finals)
Head coach: Richard Cockerill

Edinburgh enjoyed an outstanding first season under Richard Cockerill, qualifying for the play-offs and reaching the knockout stages of the Challenge Cup.

Although they ultimately endured disappointment in both, after going down to Munster in the PRO14 and Cardiff Blues in Europe, it has given them something to build on.

Having laid the foundations, the Scottish outfit will be looking to improve, although the added pressures of the Champions Cup may affect them.

They have, however, bolstered their squad with some impressive additions. Henry Pyrgos, Simon Hickey, Juan Pablo Socino and Matt Scott are excellent signings in the backline while Pierre Schoeman, John Barclay and Luke Hamilton will increase their options up front.

Asking for an improvement may be a stretch but the capabilities are certainly there for them to match their performance from the previous campaign and earn their place in the play-offs once again.

Player to watch: After an impressive campaign, which saw him called up to the Scotland squad, Blair Kinghorn will be looking to build on last season. Well-balanced, strong and quick, the full-back is a threat to any rearguard and PRO14 defences will once again have to be wary of Kinghorn. With Simon Hickey and Juan Pablo Socino increasing Edinburgh’s playmaking options in midfield, that should open even more space for the youngster to thrive.

LEINSTER

Last season: 1st in Conference B (winners)
Head coach: Leo Cullen

It’s hard to have anything but compliments and praise for this Leinster side. Last year they completed the clean sweep domestically and in Europe playing rugby their way.

Littered with star quality from front-row to full-back, the departure of several high profile and high quality players was embraced and their replacements are ready. Goodbye Isa Nacewa, hello Jordan Larmour. Jamie Heaslip retires and the likes of Dan Leavy look here to stay.

They have such class across the squad that selecting Johnny Sexton was a luxury they only afforded themselves when necessary. Joey Carbery crosses the divide to Munster but they have sufficient depth to cover.

Leo Cullen deserves huge praise for how he’s managed this group. They did back-to-back European Cups in 2011 & 2012 and that will again be a priority. However, the domestic crown will want to be defended and the Pro14 has been utilised excellently as a breeding ground for the next generation. Whether that’s degrading the competition, enhancing Leinster or both it remains a tried, tested and successful method.

Expect more of the same, and expect more quality also. They are the team to beat.

Player to watch: Is it easier to suggest who not to watch? Picking one you would say Garry Ringrose. The kid is a class act and could well match the legend of one Brian O’Driscoll. That is not said lightly but the way he sidesteps and waltzes past people is dangerous; such an intelligent rugby brain and so mature for his age. The compliments are easily given to Ringrose and across the year it’ll be easy to see why.

SCARLETS

Last season: 2nd in Conference B (runners-up)
Head coach: Wayne Pivac

The winds of change are coming in Llanelli after it was announced Wayne Pivac’s days at Parc y Scarlets are numbered. The Welsh job looms while the likes of Scott Williams, John Barclay and Aled Davies have gone to seek new challenges.

They surrendered their title last year to the outstanding Leinster and lost to the Dubliners in the final four of Europe. Some scores will need to be settled and the Scarlets won’t veer from the methods that have made them synonymous around the continent for their style of play.

They play from anywhere and Pivac has given them the confidence to do so. It’s quite outstanding to watch this Welsh region more than give it to the might of Europe.

Steff Evans is one of the best wingers in Europe while Aaron Shingler is an impressive player. That, combined with the assurances provided by the likes of Rhys Patchell and Leigh Halfpenny, makes the Scarlets a side that will be hunting for trophies.

Player to watch: Scarlets are more than the sum of their parts so to pick an individual is tough. Steff Evans looks like a man ready to shine internationally let alone domestically. His step is frightening and for such a small man he packs a punch. He scored some big tries last term and his all-round improvement shows no signs of slowing.

SOUTHERN KINGS

Last season: 7th in Conference B
Head coach: Deon Davids

They didn’t adapt anywhere near as quickly as their fellow South African counterparts as they finished last in their conference. A new side in their own right even before Super Rugby decided to drop them, the Southern Kings are in need of a vision and people who buy into that.

Several players left after it was announced they would play in a different competition and much of the squad was made up of loan players. Hardly a recipe for success but it does allow the Kings are new slate with which to work.

Their first season has laid down a marker, an unwanted one at that, as bottom of the PRO14 pile and they will be singled out as winnable opponents by the other 13 sides. That could work to their advantage but right now, having disappointed hugely in their baptism year, they have an open target upon them.

A solitary win over the Dragons was all they had to show for their efforts and defeats were often anything but close. The Kings shipped over 40 points in a game on 10 occasions and, with defensive records like that, winning games is going to be a tall order.

The to-do list is endless but defence must be somewhere near the top. They also need to equip themselves with as many seasoned professionals as they can; the PRO14 is a different kettle of fish to Super Rugby and those who understand it will help their learning.

Player to watch: There wasn’t an overload of good going on in Port Elizabeth throughout last season but veteran Dries van Schalkwyk has experience of playing in Italy. He was part of the Kings side that took on the Lions in 2009 and returns after time away. This young team will be wise to tap into his experience as they aim to acclimatise.

ULSTER

Last season: 4th in Conference B
Head coach: Dan McFarland

Surely guilty of being the most underperforming side in Europe, never mind their own league. Ulster finished fourth in their conference, which was enough to ensure Champions Cup rugby this year, but not enough to get them into the quarter-finals.

Les Kiss left midway through last season and they’ve waved goodbye to Charles Piutau, who joined Bristol over the summer after a two-year spell.

The Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding saga loomed over Ulster last year but with that now put to bed there are no excuses. Billy Burns crosses the Irish Sea to stamp a more long-term perspective on the fly-half position occupied by several short-term candidates last year.

Marty Moore heads over from Wasps and Jordi Murphy swaps European Cup winners Leinster for Belfast – astute signings to go alongside the quality already present. Jacob Stockdale’s profile rises and rises while Iain Henderson and Rory Best lead from the front.

It’s a similar story of turning this Ulster side into a team capable of challenging; the blocks are in place it’s just finding a formula that works.

Player to watch: Named the Six Nations Player of the Tournament after a bucket load of tries, Jacob Stockdale is fast becoming one of Europe’s most feared marksman. A new contract was penned last term and Ulster will be expecting the young winger to pick up where he left off. Piutau has now left so the try-scoring column is short of a few scores but Stockdale is more than capable of filling in the blanks.

by Sam Meade

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Wasps‘ director of rugby Dai Young has confirmed that New Zealand-born fly-half Jimmy Gopperth has been ruled out for six to nine months.

Gopperth has undergone surgery on torn anterior cruciate ligaments sustained in Saturday’s pre-season defeat to Connacht.

Meanwhile, Jake Cooper-Woolley and TJ Harris have been ruled out for six to eight weeks and four to six weeks respectively after both underwent surgery on bicep ruptures.

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The All Blacks have announced that seven of their Rugby Championship squad members will be in action in the third round of the Mitre 10 Cup.

Fresh from retaining the Bledisloe Cup, the following All Blacks will swap the black jersey for provincial colours in the Mitre 10 Cup’s third round of matches:

Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Counties Manukau vs Taranaki – Wednesday, August 29, Ardie Savea, Wellington vs Southland – Friday, August 31, Luke Whitelock, Canterbury vs Bay of Plenty, Saturday, September 1, Nehe Milner-Skudder and Liam Coltman, Manawatu vs Otago, Saturday, September 1, Shannon Frizell and Tim Perry, Tasman vs North Harbour, Saturday, September 1.

The New Zealand squad will take part in the hugely-popular All Blacks To The Nation event on Sunday, visiting communities in five towns around the country, before assembling in Nelson to prepare for their Rugby Championship Test against Argentina on Saturday, September 8.

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With the dust having settled on Round Two of the Rugby Championship, we’ve gone through the action to pick the best players from the weekend.

Although New Zealand were impressive again, Argentina lead the way with seven representatives in our team after ending their 11-match losing streak with a win over against South Africa in Mendoza.

The All Blacks are still well represented with six players while the Springboks and Wallabies also contribute one player apiece.

Rugby Championship: Team of the Week

15 Jordie Barrett (New Zealand): Dane Haylett-Petty was one of the few to show up well for Australia but Barrett impressed in what was a slicker performance by the All Blacks. Once again they struggled slightly in the first half, but two moments of quality – one of which involved the full-back – saw the world champions go into the break 14-7 ahead. They then dominated the second period and the Hurricanes man was part of that as he filled in superbly for Ben Smith, who moved to the wing in Rieko Ioane’s absence.

14 Bautista Delguy (Argentina): Scored two tries and finished both excellently as los Pumas completely dominated the first half against South Africa in Mendoza. The wing has impressed for the Jaguares in Super Rugby and continued that form here, making 63 metres with ball in hand and beating an outstanding 10 defenders in the Argentinians’ 32-19 triumph. At the age of just 21, the youngster is looking like an excellent find for Mario Ledesma.

13 Matias Moroni (Argentina): Arguably one of his best performances in an Argentinian shirt, Moroni had a significant hand in three of the tries, providing the final pass each time. The centre linked with Delguy and Sanchez in the first half while his third assist saw Ramiro Moyano touch down for the game-clinching effort. Elsewhere, Jack Goodhue once again impressed for the All Blacks but we’ve gone with the los Pumas back, who was in top form.

12 Ngani Laumape (New Zealand): Not a massive amount of competition for this position with Laumape clearly the best without being a standout in the All Blacks’ victory on Saturday. Kurtley Beale did some decent things once again but the centre is not really getting enough space to work his magic. Laumape, meanwhile, was regularly involved, making 81 metres from 16 runs with a number of those carrying into heavy traffic. He is an absolute powerhouse and offers a different option to Ryan Crotty, but is no less effective.

11 Ben Smith (New Zealand): Two wingers shone this weekend but both played on the right so we have moved the Highlanders back across to the left. After being named in the XV last week following his performance at full-back, Smith showed his versatility by being equally as effective in the wide channels. His excellent take from Aaron Smith’s box-kick was crucial in the first Beauden Barrett try while the 32-year-old also had a significant hand in two of the fly-half’s other scores.

10 Beauden Barrett (New Zealand): Any doubts about whether Barrett is the number one fly-half in New Zealand (or the world for that matter) were all but dispelled after a virtuoso performance from the brilliant number 10. Four tries for a record-breaking haul of 30 points set up an emphatic 40-12 victory to retain the Bledisloe Cup. Meanwhile, Nicolas Sanchez continued his fine form as he marshalled the Argentine attack superbly against the Springboks and contributed 17 points, including a try and drop-goal.

9 Gonzalo Bertranou (Argentina): His crisp service and astute decision-making were crucial in allowing Sanchez to flourish outside of him, while the nuggety scrum-half was not afraid to get involved on defence either, making nine tackles. Comes in ahead of the All Blacks’ Aaron Smith, who came out on top in the personal duel with Will Genia for the second successive week.

8 David Pocock (Australia): Another admirably brave performance as he was heavily targeted by the All Blacks. Immense at the breakdown and on defence, making a team-high 18 tackles, while his turnover would have led to a try on the stroke of half-time were it not for Kurtley Beale’s knock on. Was a miracle he managed to stay on the field after taking all those knocks and neck rolls. Beats out opposite number on the day All Blacks captain Kieran Read and Argentina’s Javier Ortega Desio.

7 Marcos Kremer (Argentina): The highly-rated, versatile forward played most of his early rugby at lock for the Jaguares but has shone as a loose forward this year for the Buenos Aires-based franchise and at international level. And this positional shifts appears to be a masterstroke as Kremer offers a size advantage and an excellent ball-carrying option. Busy as ever on defence, Kremer made a team-high 19 tackles and edges out Sam Cane, who probably would have made our team had he not left the field with a head knock with 25 minutes remaining.

6 Siya Kolisi (South Africa): The skipper was by far his side’s most potent weapon on attack and is the only Springbok in our side. Made some typically barnstorming carries as he beat seven defenders on the day and scored a superb individual effort. Made up for being the smallest loose forward on the pitch with wonderful acceleration off the mark. Comes in ahead of the All Blacks’ Liam Squire and Wallabies’ Lukhan Tui.

5 Guido Petti (Argentina): Was one of Argentina’s heroes in that memorable victory over South Africa in Mendoza. Petti stood up well to the Springboks’ physicality and took the fight to his opponents with some strong carries. Also did well in the lineouts and was particularly impressive on defence with 15 tackles. Meanwhile, Australia’s Adam Coleman played well in a losing cause in Auckland.

4 Brodie Retallick (New Zealand): Another super all-round performance from Retallick, who continued where he left off in Sydney last week. Was once again one of the All Blacks’ best players as they put the Wallabies to the sword again. Retallick’s lineout work was impressive and he was a willing ball carrier but it was his defensive work which caught the eye in Auckland. Eventually made 11 hits of which two stood out as he also ripped the ball from the ball carrier while making the tackle.

3 Juan Figallo (Argentina): The Saracens stalwart delivered a dominant scrummaging display which is no mean feat as his direct opponent was one of the world’s best loosehead props in veteran Springbok Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira. Figallo’s prowess in the scrums was impressive and on one occasion his dominance over Mtawarira laid the platform for one of Bautista Delguy’s tries. Figallo also shone on defence with 10 tackles and beats out All Black centurion Owen Franks.

2 Agustin Creevy (Argentina): Los Pumas‘ skipper put in an inspirational performance and shed blood for the cause in his side’s excellent triumph against the Springboks. Creevy was solid as a ball carrier especially at close quarters where he gained 18 metres from seven runs. Also came to the fore with a brilliant defensive effort and finished with 18 hits while his leadership also stood out. Codie Taylor of New Zealand was next best.

1 Joe Moody (New Zealand): Moody makes our team for the second successive week after another fine showing at the coalface of the world champions’ forward effort against the Wallabies. As usual, he was solid in the scrums but also did well on attack and was rewarded with a try for his efforts. Also did his bit on defence with eight tackles and comes in ahead of Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro of Argentina.

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Few people are better placed to assess World Rugby’s two-time player of the year Beauden Barrett’s ability than All Blacks and Hurricanes team-mate TJ Perenara.

Adding even more strength to his view is the fact the pair form one of the key combinations in any rugby side, that of scrum-half and fly-half, where experience and time together can make the game one of instinct in key moments.

What he felt made Barrett so much different was based around his “top two inches”, Perenara said.

He is one of the fastest, and most skillful, players in the game but he was almost the most composed player Perenara had seen.

“He doesn’t let a hell of a lot bother him,” Perenara told the All Blacks’ official website.

“Out on the field he doesn’t let the moment bother him. I remember playing with him here [Eden Park], we would have been 21 years old, and Conrad [Smith] scores a try against the Blues to put us within one point and as a 21-year-old kid he stands up and kicks the conversion to win it.

“I had been subbed off at that time and to watch him step up and not care about the moment or whatever, it was just a kick at goal, was a credit to him.

“That’s probably the best thing he brings to our environment. Yes, he’s amazing with what he can do out on the field but his top two inches and the calmness he brings to everyone else is what I think makes him special.

“Beauden’s a special player. A lot of people over the last little while have been questioning him and his ability and I said it last week in the media that no-one should ever question Baz out on the field. A lot of the stuff people say is purely to create tension and create hype but I think what Baz does out on the field is pretty special.

“There’s always going to be people who try and knock people down but I’m one of those people who, sometimes when he does some stuff out on the field, just look at him in awe of the sort of stuff he can do. And the work he puts in throughout the week enables him to be able to do that sort of thing.”

But Perenara said all the talk had no effect on Barrett. He knew his ability and what he was capable of.

“We’ve played a lot together and grown up together and we don’t really read a hell of a lot in the media,” added Perenara.

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Munster and the Irish Rugby Football Union have announced the signing of former All Blacks scrum-half Alby Mathewson on a short-term deal.

Mathewson will join the Irish province (subject to being granted a valid work permit) for four months as injury cover for Conor Murray who has been ruled out for the short-term period.

The 32-year-old Kiwi scrum-half has made five appearances for the All Blacks and has played Super Rugby for the Hurricanes, Blues, and Western Force.

At the beginning of the 2017/18 season he joined Toulon and played for the Top 14 club on 19 occasions, including the Champions Cup quarter-final against Munster in Thomond Park.

Mathewson’s previous visit to the Limerick venue saw him make his All Blacks debut in the thrilling 18-16 win against the province in November 2008.

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The Waratahs announced on Tuesday that hooker Damien Fitzpatrick has extended his contract with the Sydney-based outfit until the 2019 Super Rugby season.

The 29-year-old said the decision to continue playing his rugby for the Waratahs was an easy one.

“I’m a proud New South Welshman so the decision was an easy one as I want to remain a Waratah,” he told the Waratahs’ official website.

“I enjoy being part of this group, we have a great squad, a valuable mix of super talent and hard workers. I know how determined the team is to go one step further next year and bring home the Super Rugby title, and I want to play my part in that,” he said.

“2018 was about delivering on our potential, we did that in patches but we know that we can do even better next year. We played some quality attacking rugby this year that I know the fans enjoyed watching.”

Fitzpatrick reached the milestone of 50 games for his State in 2018.

“That was certainly a proud moment, it didn’t come easy for me and that made it all more the special,” he added.

Waratahs assistant coach (forwards), Simon Cron, said Fitzpatrick adds so much more to the team.

“Fitzy is a great asset to the team in terms of leadership and experience,” he said.

“He has shown his importance to our squad in consistently performing week in week out and I’m looking forward to seeing him take another step up next year.

“Having Fitzy and Tolu (Latu) push each other is really important to the make-up of the squad. We want that kind of competition in every position and then combine that with JP Sauni who will also be wanting to apply pressure and take his opportunities when they come.

“They all get on well and will help each other to get better and it’s enjoyable to watch them want to do well for each other.”

Fitzpatrick has also been confirmed as captain of Sydney for this year’s National Rugby Championship (NRC).

“Playing in the Sydney representative colours will be special for the team,” he said.

“To bring back the traditional Sydney team colours will add new fire to the Sydney versus Country rivalry and I cannot wait.

“The NRC is a pathway for our players and brings together the talent of club rugby, emerging and Super Rugby players. It’s an opportunity for players to play well at a new level, put their hands up and to get noticed by the Super Rugby coaches.”

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Rugby Australia CEO Raelene Castle has thrown her support behind Wallabies coach Michael Cheika, declaring his job safe until next year’s World Cup despite “disappointing” Bledisloe Cup performances.

Cheika’s Wallabies tenure has been put under the microscope in the wake of two Bledisloe Cup thumpings in as many weeks.

In the lead-up to last week’s Auckland Test, some media reports suggested losses against South Africa and Argentina in the next two Rugby Championship Tests would be enough to put his job into question.

Castle did not validate those claims despite admitting the 38-13 and 40-12 losses to New Zealand were “disappointing”.

“(They were) disappointing performances, no doubt,” Castle told Rugby Australia’s official website.

“And everyone recognises that – that’s not how we want the Wallaby jersey to be perceived at all.

“He is contracted through to the World Cup and he has a plan – we are across that plan and we are comfortable with it.

“But clearly you can’t just ignore the performances – they’re not acceptable.

“So it’s about what we can do to support him as an organisation to make sure he has what he needs to make sure the Wallabies are successful as we move into that World Cup.”

Castle said the Rugby Australia board was behind Cheika and eager to help him wherever possible rather than looking for an alternative coaching solution.

“Certainly from our perspective, my support and the board’s support is behind Michael Cheika as we move into the World Cup,” she said.

“We’re also talking to him about where the opportunities are and what support he needs around him in his environment to make sure we see that growth.

“We now go into two Test matches against South Africa and Argentina and that’s a really good opportunity for us to see the Wallabies in a winning environment.”

When pushed on what support Cheika requires, Castle pointed to the Wallabies’ defence.

The Australians leaked 78 points through two Tests against the All Blacks, making defence coach Nathan Grey a target of public criticism.

“There are parts of our game that haven’t performed – particularly around defence,” added Castle.

“So we will be having conversations around that.

“But I don’t think it’s about changing what we’ve got.

“It’s about what else can we bring.

“We’ve got a wide rugby community that have significance on the world stage so we are looking at who we can use that are proud Australians and who can help the Wallabies to make sure they continue to be successful.”

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Check out the highlights from Round One of the Top 14.

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