No NSW bias in new-look Wallabies: Grey

The Wallabies’ new coaching connection hopes to replicate its success with the NSW Waratahs but won’t simply be trying to create a clone of the Super Rugby champions.

The green and gold has taken on a distinct sky-blue tinge with title-winning coach Michael Cheika taking the reins and installing Nathan Grey, his trusted Waratahs assistant, as the Australia’s defensive coach.

Given the stylish nature of the Waratahs’ Super Rugby triumph this season, both are understandably keen to translate some fundamental aspects of their success on to the international stage.

But former Wallabies hardman Grey said a perception there would be a bias towards Waratahs methods or players under the new regime was wrong.

“No chance,” Grey told reporters in London ahead of Australia’s European tour opener against the Barbarians on Saturday.

“When we’re coming up and playing at this level, we’re extracting the positives that all of the rugby franchises are doing in Australia.

“We’re pulling things from the Brumbies, pulling things from the Reds, pulling strengths from what the Force and Rebels are doing.

“We’re a collective representation of Australia so our game is going to reflect that.”

Both Cheika and Grey will juggle their duties with the Wallabies and Waratahs but have stressed they’ll be doing what’s best for the national team, irrespective of state allegiances.

Cheika opted to keep incumbent Wallabies forwards coach Andrew Blades and also attempted to promote a unity among the Australian franchises by inviting rival Super Rugby coaches on the spring tour.

Nick Phipps is one of nine Waratahs players in the Wallabies squad but the halfback denied those coached by Cheika in Super Rugby would have any advantage when it came to team selection.

“You just have to look at when Ewen (McKenzie) came in last year and there was no favouritism shown to the Reds boys,” Phipps said.

“Cheiks is that kind of guy, he’ll pick the best fifteen no matter who you are, whether that’s no `Tahs or one to fifteen.”

The Wallabies are expected to embrace the positive, attacking style executed to great effect by the Waratahs, with Grey hoping to compliment it with a straight-forward defensive style centred on teamwork and work ethic.

“I have a very simple approach to the game,” said the former centre, capped 35 times.

“To have that belief and connection amongst one another and a real positive mindset is three quarters of the battle.”

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