Share

Cheika hails thick-skinned Wallabies

Twickenham - Australia coach Michael Cheika praised his side's resilience in wrapping up their Rugby World Cup pool campaign with a 15-6 win over Wales on Saturday.

In a match where neither side managed a try, Australia prevented Wales from scoring at all in the second half - even when reduced to 13 men for a time when scrumhalf Will Genia and lock Dean Mumm were both in the sin-bin.

Their 11th victory in a row over Wales saw Australia top Pool A and show the extent of their all-round game following last week's more free-flowing 33-13 win over England.

"I'm happy we won, it was a different type of game," said Cheika.

"We had to show a different skin," added the coach, parachuted into the Australia post last year following the resignation of Ewen McKenzie.

"There were plenty of imperfections again and it was 13 men only for eight minutes not 80.

"But the team's been working hard since we got together last year.

"If you're intent is there, sometimes it can happen for you. I'm very proud of the lads, it was a difficult situation, and their resilience."

Asked if he preferred Saturday's success to the Wallabies' win over England, Cheika replied: "I liked tonight's win because as a forward, and not a very talented one, it was just about getting stuck in.

"If they say that behind every good man is a good woman, behind every attack is a great defence," added Cheika, whose side face Scotland in the quarter-finals.

Australia captain Stephen Moore insisted there was no great secret to the way his side kept Wales at bay.

"The guys just did their jobs," said the hooker. "It is not complicated."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE