Potential Concerns on the Horizon: The Overlooked Implications Behind a Historic Wallabies Shift

Former Wallabies halfback Nick Phipps asserts that Les Kiss is the leading candidate to take over from Joe Schmidt, suggesting that Michael Cheika’s prospects for a second stint may have been compromised by the fallout from Eddie Jones’ tenure.

Kiss has publicly acknowledged his talks with Rugby Australia following Queensland’s impressive 35-15 victory over NSW, as revealed in an interview on Stan Sport on Saturday.

Schmidt is set to depart after the Rugby Championship in October to spend more time with his family back in New Zealand.

Should Kiss secure the position, it would mark a remarkable ascent through the coaching ranks after his notable playing career as a crafty league winger for the North Sydney Bears, Queensland, and Australia.

Phipps, who has 72 Test caps for Australia and was coached by Kiss at London Irish from 2019 to 2022, praised Fraser McReight’s stunning try against the Waratahs at Suncorp Stadium, calling it “peak Les Kiss.”

“Silky hands, they were direct for two phases, then created space at the back,” Phipps commented on Stan Sport’s Between Two Posts.

“Everyone was moving fluidly off the hip. That was one of the finest team tries I’ve witnessed this year—absolutely brilliant. That’s typical of Kissy.”

“He always encourages players to be in motion and to work hard off the ball. They swung from one side in those direct phases and then generated numbers around the corner. That’s the way Kissy prefers to play.”

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“A significant aspect of his coaching methodology is the focus on enhancing player skills. He articulates clearly what he’s seeking in their play and then works on improving their abilities to implement that, as evidenced by that try.”

Schmidt is open to remaining in an advisory capacity if his successor desires it, having previously collaborated successfully with Kiss during their tenure in Ireland.

Kiss is described as being quirky yet emotionally savvy.

“A great bloke, a genuinely nice guy,” Phipps remarked.

“He’s not the type to burst through the door or shout; instead, he’s a true people person. He comprehends his players and knows how to utilise them effectively.”

Phipps mentioned that he had advised Queensland board member James Horwill to consider Kiss once Brad Thorn’s tenure concluded in 2023.

“I think he’s definitely the leading candidate for the Wallabies, as it appears. He’s certainly got the most credibility at the moment,” Phipps stated.

“I hold Dan McKellar and Stephen Larkham in high regard; they’re both outstanding coaches. However, Kissy has experience in the international arena, and he’s worked effectively with a director of rugby above him.”

“I would like to see him as Wallabies coach because I believe he’d excel in the role. Look at how well the Reds are performing this season—they’re going to be a serious threat.”

Currently, the Reds are the top Australian side in Super Rugby Pacific, sitting in third position after five rounds.

Former Wallabies back Morgan Turinui, who has also been coached by Kiss, believes the 60-year-old is well-suited to lead the Wallabies but questioned why Michael Cheika’s name isn’t being more actively discussed.

Cheika has reportedly had discussions with Rugby Australia and is available after announcing his departure from Leicester Tigers at the end of the Premiership season.

Phipps was part of Cheika’s Waratahs squad that clinched the 2014 Super Rugby title and the Wallabies team that made it to the 2015 Rugby World Cup final.

Cheika also led Australia to the quarter-finals of the 2019 World Cup and Argentina to the semi-finals in 2023.

“His credentials are solid — he’s undeniably a skilled coach,” Phipps noted.

“I’m puzzled as to why there isn’t more chatter about his candidacy right now. Maybe there’s some hesitation stemming from the 2019 World Cup exit, and it appears Eddie Jones may have set him back a bit further as well.”

“I know Cheik would relish the opportunity, absolutely, who wouldn’t? But right now, it seems that Rugby Australia is only focused on continuity.”

“They want someone to maintain that continuity, and I believe Kissy is the right person for that, whereas Cheik excels at coming in with a ‘crash, bang’ approach.”

Turinui has highlighted that the leading candidates do not possess the same level of accolades typically linked to past Wallabies appointments.

“If it ends up being Kiss, McKellar, or Larkham, it’s unprecedented that we’re promoting a coach directly from Super Rugby to the Wallabies without previous title wins,” he noted.

“Jones, (Ewen) McKenzie, Cheika—those coaches all had Super Rugby titles before they took on the Wallabies. Michael Cheika’s record clearly overshadows other names being mentioned at this stage.”

“International rugby is markedly different from provincial rugby. I understand the concerns raised following Eddie Jones’ period—are they hesitant to repeat a similar misstep?

“Michael Cheika has set the benchmark, reaching the last four of two World Cups. We’re approaching two years away from a home World Cup, and the prospect appears that any new coach might be receiving their first international role.”

Both McKellar and Larkham have served as assistant coaches for the Wallabies in the past.

It has been reported that McKellar has not yet undergone a formal interview process.

The selection panel includes director of high performance Peter Horne, chief executive Phil Waugh, chairman Daniel Herbert, and RA board member John Eales.