Former Wallabies mentor Michael Cheika unveiled as Argentina coach for next year's Rugby World Cup
Michael Cheika says coaching Argentina was an opportunity too good to pass up after the former Wallabies mentor was officially unveiled as the new Pumas boss today.
Cheika, who had already been working as a Pumas assistant, will take the reins through to next year's Rugby World Cup in France following Mario Ledesma's resignation.
Argentina is at a low ebb after a disastrous 2021 season in which the Pumas won just three of 12 games and slumped to ninth in the world rankings.
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"The level is there and the quality is there, no doubt," Cheika said during his introductory press conference.
"When you are consistently good you become great so let's start off by being good.
"And let's be good as much as we can and then we'll see where we can end up."
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Michael Cheika celebrates with Juan Imhoff of the Pumas. Getty
The 55-year-old had been working as the director of rugby for the NEC Green Rockets in Japan as well as working as an expert for Nine and Stan Sport.
It will be his third World Cup campaign after guiding Australia to the 2015 final before a quarterfinal exit in 2019.
"In Test football it is about feeling your best and being at your best on that right day," Cheika said.
Michael Cheika speaks with Mario Ledesma during the warm up. Getty
"That's where I think the team needs to understand it's about just learning how to be best on that day.
"And that is something that I hope my experience can bring them."
Cheika said he would not try and change Argentina's passionate approach to the game.
Michael Cheika celebrates with Santiago Carreras of the Pumas after beating the All Blacks. Getty
"I want to keep the mentality. I love that attitude that comes with the Pumas.
"I think that the opportunity to coach the Pumas was too good to say no to.
"I love the way they play their rugby and I feel connected. This is a wonderful opportunity for me."
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