Wallabies coach Dave Rennie 'disappointed' by manner of Rob Penney, Dave Wessels departures
Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has expressed his disappointment at how the Super Rugby departures of Rob Penney and Dave Wessels were handled this season.
Waratahs coach Penney was sacked in late March following a winless start to the season while Rebels coach Wessels "stood down" in late April after missing the Australian playoffs.
Both struggling clubs are now in coaching limbo for the remainder of the season.
The 0-9 Waratahs have interim co-coaches in Jason Gilmore and Chris Whitaker while the Rebels are being guided by Kevin Foote and supported by Wallabies staff.
The only place rugby fans can watch every match is Stan Sport. Start your free sport trial now!
Waratahs coach Rob Penney at GIO Stadium. Getty
"I'm not a fan of sacking coaches mid-season," Rennie told Wide World of Sports.
"All it does is reduces the resources they have and apply more pressure to everyone else. If you appoint someone and you're not happy with the way things are going, then it's your responsibility to get a bit of support around them and allow them to exit with a bit of honour and respect.
"That's my views on it. It could have been done better and I feel for both those guys, the way things were handled. Disappointing."
READ MORE: Old fashioned bolter cracks Waratahs side
READ MORE: Ex-Wallabies boss Cheika lands new job in Japan
READ MORE: Australia's $2.5 billion Rugby World Cup bid
Rebels coach Dave Wessels watches his team warm up at AAMI Park in Melbourne. Getty
Rennie has been a regular visitor at Australia's five Super Rugby clubs this season.
Wallabies forwards coach Geoff Parling is also a Rebels assistant while Australia's attack coach Scott Wisemantel is also mucking in down in Melbourne.
"I'm talking with Footey but Wisey's been going down to help get them organised early in the week and so on," Rennie said.
"People like (injured Wallaby) Reece Hodge chipping in – it's not an ideal situation but both Footey and Geoff Parling are excellent coaches, really good men so they're hurting.
"I expect to see a response (against the Hurricanes on Friday night)."
Wallabies coach Dave Rennie during a press conference at David Phillips Field. Photo: Kate Geraghty Kate Geraghty
The Rebels were flogged 50-3 by the Blues in round one and have named an interesting team for the Wellington match including Leicester loanee George Worth at fullback, returning winger Andrew Kellaway and youngster Carter Gordon at five-eighth.
"I think the Rebels are a lot better than the side we saw at the weekend," Rennie said.
"They've got some reinforcements coming back in with Trevor Hosea and Isi (Naisarani) back from suspension so that will help.
"They really struggled to exit, gave the Blues a lot of field position and a lot of ball to counter off.
"I know they've worked hard this week and they've got a plan around having multiple kickers on the field which will relieve a little bit of pressure I think.
"Traditionally they're a very good defensive side and so they'll be disappointed about that but I'd expect to see that stronger this week."
