Brian O’Driscoll’s Insider Take on the Wallabies Coaching Contenders: Insights from the Ireland Legend

HONG KONG: Irish rugby icon Brian O’Driscoll has expressed his support for Les Kiss to take the reins of the Wallabies if appointed, emphasising that Rugby Australia has a wealth of options to choose from in the search for Joe Schmidt’s successor.

O’Driscoll, a legend of the sport, possesses a unique perspective on the coaching landscape within Rugby Australia.

He has been coached by Kiss, Schmidt, and another potential candidate, Michael Cheika, one of the most prominent figures in rugby coaching.

O’Driscoll is also well-acquainted with Stuart Lancaster, having worked closely with him during their time at Leinster.

The former England head coach has reportedly made the shortlist for the role at Rugby Australia, who are eager to make a decision soon.

Turning our attention to Kiss, he has steered the Queensland Reds to the pinnacle of the Super Rugby Pacific standings after just seven rounds.

“I had Les for a very successful period,” O’Driscoll remarked to Wide World of Sports at the Hong Kong Sevens.

“He played a pivotal role in our victory during the 2009 Grand Slam. Fantastic memories and he’s a genuinely great individual. I’m confident that he’s further refined his coaching expertise and is an evolved coach from the one I knew back then, even though he was already impressive.

“As a head coach, I’m sure he’s developed areas in his coaching that I might not agree with, but he was an outstanding defensive strategist who had an excellent grasp of the game from both an offensive and defensive perspective. If he’s considered a frontrunner, it wouldn’t be unwarranted.”

Meanwhile, Michael Cheika has sparked interest after being seen sharing a coffee with RA chief Phil Waugh in Sydney, but he is not considered a serious contender for a second spell as Wallabies coach.

O’Driscoll, however, remains a strong supporter of the 58-year-old, raising eyebrows over his current status.

“For me, Cheika was arguably my most impactful coach, particularly at a pivotal time in my career. He transformed not only Leinster Rugby but also Irish Rugby, as he enabled Leinster to achieve a crucial turning point and reshape the culture,” remarked the 141-Test veteran.

“He had a similar effect during his initial time with the Wallabies, and I can envision him excelling in a second opportunity. Sometimes, when there’s unfinished business, it makes sense to return for another chance.”

“I suspect the outcome would be more favourable with Cheika at the helm for a second round compared to what we might expect from Eddie Jones.”

On the other hand, Lancaster has reinvented his career at club level after his dismissal as England head coach post the disappointing 2015 Rugby World Cup.

“I noticed his name associated with the Wallabies role, and he’s indeed another brilliantly intelligent individual,” O’Driscoll noted.

“He laid much of the foundational work for the multi-phase strategy that Leinster employed, which was later integrated into the Ireland team, and since his departure from Leinster, there’s been a noticeable decline as it’s not being executed as effectively.

“I believe he’s significantly contributed to the success and would be a valuable addition. A remarkable thinker of the game, he possesses a keen understanding of analysis and opposition strategies that really impressed me during his time at Leinster.”

“With three impressive candidates in the mix, it’s an exciting time for rugby in Australia.”

Sam Worthington travelled to the Hong Kong Sevens thanks to the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Cathay Pacific and The Langham