Wallabies coach not threatened by Cheika’s return to rugby
Rather than feeling threatened, Les Kiss has welcomed Michael Cheika’s return to Australian rugby and says he will tap into his vast experience as a Test coach.
Sydney Roosters assistant Cheika will take the reins as NSW Waratahs coach in 2027 after being headhunted by Rugby Australia boss Phil Waugh to breathe some life into the underperforming Super Rugby side.
Michael Cheika and Bernard Foley at the Waratahs in 2015. Getty Images
It is no secret that Cheika would prefer Kiss’ job as Wallabies coach at next year’s home World Cup.
Cheika coached Australia to the final of the 2015 tournament and the quarter-finals in 2019, after which he signed off amid a messy exit.
Cheika then guided Argentina to the semi-finals in 2023 before a stint at Leicester Tigers and then the Roosters.
“We’ve been good mates, and he’s a bloody good coach,” Kiss told reporters before flying to Argentina for Sunday’s (AEST) Test against the Pumas in San Salvador de Jujuy.
“I have no doubt that he’s going to have a positive impact, that’s for sure.
“He’ll put a team around him that he’ll help grow as well, and they’ll be good for that decision. I’m looking forward to working with him. He knows what that jersey means to this country. He’s had that experience, he’s headed up that role just like I am now. So I’ll tap into some of his experiences.”
Kiss is 2-0 as Wallabies coach after beating Japan in Osaka and Townsville.
But Argentina is ranked above Australia and have been installed as favourites.
Kiss will name his team on Friday (AEST) and said Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii was no certainty to return to the starting lineup after missing the last Test with a hamstring strain.
John Eales Medallist Len Ikitau is also back in the squad after cleaning up an ankle issue while Queensland Reds teammates Hunter Paisami and Isaac Henry performed well as the starting midfield in Townsville.
“That competition we have in those centres now is cool,” Kiss said.
“Some good people miss out because it’s going well. But we want that. I want that. I like it that there’s competition. These guys are good mates, and they’re connected.
“It’s not easy to tell someone they’re not in the team when you’ve got so many good options, but I know the boys wouldn’t want it any other way. They want to be able to get better.”
Kiss said he still viewed Suaalii as primarily an outside centre despite most external voices arguing it was not his best position.
“I’ve said from the start we’d stay at 13. With variations of what we’re trying to do in both sides of the ball, it’s right to just keep persisting in that space for now,” Kiss said.
“At this stage, I’m probably keen to keep Su there, but I know he can move to the back if we need to, and that flexibility is enormous for us.”
Kiss is also open-minded about having openside flankers Fraser McReight and Carlo Tizzano on the field together after finishing that way in Townsville.
“We’ve explored it. It’s there, and I don’t feel that we would fear doing it again,” he said.
“Will it be something we throw at all the time? No, but it has to be something we do think about for sure.
“But there are other combinations that we look at with our power in our back row as well.”
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