Michael Cheika

Cheika in tears after win

Australian Cheika was coach of the Wallabies between 2014 and 2019, but after initially taking on a consultant role, took over Argentina fulltime in March.

He masterminded a seven-try romp for his side against a depleted Wallabies, Argentina's biggest ever win over Australia and their largest in the Rugby Championship.

"I love these guys, they're my crew now," Cheika said. "I was up on the last try, cheering. But then I started crying because I know I probably shouldn't be doing this. It was a bit confusing for me, personally.

Michael Cheika swaps Wallabies for NRL coaching role with Roosters

Sydney's Daily Telegraph reported that Cheika is assisting Roosters coach Trent Robinson - a longtime friend - by working with the Sydney club's coaches and the players' attacking skills.

"He is helping push myself and the assistant coaches to improve and challenging our ideas and helping push us again in 2020," Robinson said.

Cheika quit the Wallabies after five years in charge following their Rugby World Cup quarterfinal defeat in 2019.

Marika Koroibete credits Michael Cheika after being awarded John Eales Medal

Koroibete paid a heartfelt tribute to Cheika after joining the modern-day greats of Australian rugby as the Wallabies’ 2019 player of the year.

In just his third season in the 15-man code after defecting from the NRL, the electric winger won the battle of the Fijian-born backs to see off Samu Kerevi and claim the Wallabies’ highest individual honour.

Quade Cooper fires not so subtle parting shot at Michael Cheika

"If he actually cared about Aus rugby he would have done it a while ago," Cooper wrote on Twitter.

The 31-year-old first-five hasn't played for the Wallabies since 2017.

He was included in the preliminary squad six months out from the World Cup in Japan, but didn't make the final 31-man party.

     

Former All Blacks claim Michael Cheika is creating 'unhealthy, negative environment'

Richard Kahui and Andy Ellis, both members of New Zealand’s 2011 World Cup winning squad, believe Michael Cheika has created a negative vibe in their camp which will permeate down to the players.

“I see Cheik and I feel for him because he’s obviously a man under pressure. It’s not just this World Cup, it’s been building the last 2-3 years,” Kahui told The Breakdown television show.

“(But) the way that he’s going about talking about referees and things, I just wonder how much that influences the players.

Michael Cheika faces overwhelming criticism after Fiji comments

Hodge felt the brunt of the Fijian runners on a number of occasions and was regularly rag-dolled by the athletic Fijians throughout the Pool D match.

The Wallabies winger managed to unintentionally get one of his own back late in the first half, concussing Yato with a tackle that many have deemed dangerous and worthy of a red card. Fiji subsequently referred the tackle to World Rugby, and Hodge faces a hearing on Wednesday which could potentially end his Rugby World Cup.

Michael Cheika lashes out at Fiji for referring Reece Hodge over dangerous tackle

Cheika hit out at his Fiji counterparts and claimed they were insincere in referring Hodge’s tackle after Saturday’s game in Sapporo which has resulted in a citing and a judicial hearing in Tokyo on a day still to be determined.

The first-half tackle prevented a possible try for Fiji and left flanker Peceli Yato concussed.

Fiji players immediately asked for the television match official to review the tackle. The TMO concurred with the referee and his assistant that the tackle did not even warrant a penalty.

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika stands by Israel Folau after online posts about homosexuality

Speaking for the first time since Folau sparked a storm of controversy six weeks ago with the first of a series of divisive posts about gays, Cheika said anyone who disagreed with his religious beliefs — including homosexuals — should ignore them.

Cheika stands by Folau

Speaking for the first time since Folau sparked a storm of controversy six weeks ago with the first of a series of divisive posts about gays, Cheika said anyone who disagreed with his religious beliefs - including homosexuals - should ignore them.

The code-hopping superstar has suffered widespread backlash for publicising his extreme views, with the Wallabies' major sponsor Qantas outraged and others including All Blacks halfback TJ Perenara pointing out Folau's profound influence on vulnerable youngsters.

Cheika avoids sanction

Broadcasters picked up Cheika saying "f... ing cheats'' after Australia captain Michael Hooper was sin-binned toward the end of the first half of Saturday's (Sunday NZ time) game. Cheika was also seen sarcastically applauding the match officials and responding to some verbal abuse from England fans as he headed toward the dressing room at halftime.

After a three-day investigation, the Autumn International Disciplinary body said it has "decided not to pursue any disciplinary proceedings against Cheika,'' who has apologised "for any offence caused.''