Michael Cheika’s coaching history in Ireland is adding an element of intrigue to preparations for this weekend’s Test match in Dublin.
The Wallabies coach spent half a decade working in the Emerald Isle as head coach of Leinster and a tactical battle based on inside knowledge has been playing out in the lead-up to Saturday’s (Sunday morning AEDT) clash at Lansdowne Road.
While Cheika has been keen to divulge his expansive knowledge on Irish rugby to his players, Ireland are also looking to benefit from a familiarity with the newly-appointed coach’s methods.
Leinster took a punt on Cheika by hiring him in 2005 and he repaid the faith by leading the club to the European Cup title in 2009.
He will encounter around half his old team this weekend and Wallabies lock Rob Simmons said Australian players had been thoroughly briefed.
“It (his knowledge) has been pretty vital,” Simmons said.
“He’s made it quite well-known how well he knows some of the players and what they’ll be looking to do.
“It’s definitely helping us prepare for this game.”
Veteran Ireland backrower Jamie Heaslip played all five years under Cheika and hinted his side would look to exploit the high-pressure defensive game the coach is renowned for.
“We’ve kind of been focusing on their players and what we think will work against their type of defence, without giving too much away,” Heaslip said.
The 73-Test veteran said he had fond memories from his time playing under Cheika, who he considers a unique and feisty character.
“What Cheika says in the change room and in training, I don’t think stuff can be repeated be he is a very passionate man and wears his heart on his sleeve,” Heaslip said.
“He’s a very, very smart man.
“He always has an ability to come up with a couple of real good line-breaking moves. I know because I’ve been on the receiving end of them so we have a lot of respect for him there.
“I’m sure he’s going to give them a unique insight into us but, at the same time, I think he’ll be quite focused on getting Australia right.”
The Wallabies are looking to avoid back-to-back spring tour defeats for the first time since 2005 after falling 29-26 to France in Paris last week.
