ARU backs McKenzie as coach

Sydney - The Australian Rugby Union is rejecting reports it is preparing to replace Ewen McKenzie as Wallabies coach.

Australian media say talks have taken place between senior union officials and McKenzie's most-likely successor, New South Wales Waratahs coach Michael Cheika.

But in a statement late on Monday chief executive Bill Pulver said "the ARU has not had any conversations with any other coaches regarding the Wallabies coaching position. Ewen is coaching the team (against the All Blacks) this weekend and next Friday he will board the plane with the team for the spring tour (to Britain) and is contracted to Australian Rugby to lead the Wallabies to next year's Rugby World Cup."

Australia's recent Rugby Championships loss to Argentina left McKenzie with a 52 percent win rate as Wallabies coach.