Michael Cheika

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika stands by Israel Folau after online posts about homosexuality

Speaking for the first time since Folau sparked a storm of controversy six weeks ago with the first of a series of divisive posts about gays, Cheika said anyone who disagreed with his religious beliefs — including homosexuals — should ignore them.

Cheika stands by Folau

Speaking for the first time since Folau sparked a storm of controversy six weeks ago with the first of a series of divisive posts about gays, Cheika said anyone who disagreed with his religious beliefs - including homosexuals - should ignore them.

The code-hopping superstar has suffered widespread backlash for publicising his extreme views, with the Wallabies' major sponsor Qantas outraged and others including All Blacks halfback TJ Perenara pointing out Folau's profound influence on vulnerable youngsters.

Cheika avoids sanction

Broadcasters picked up Cheika saying "f... ing cheats'' after Australia captain Michael Hooper was sin-binned toward the end of the first half of Saturday's (Sunday NZ time) game. Cheika was also seen sarcastically applauding the match officials and responding to some verbal abuse from England fans as he headed toward the dressing room at halftime.

After a three-day investigation, the Autumn International Disciplinary body said it has "decided not to pursue any disciplinary proceedings against Cheika,'' who has apologised "for any offence caused.''

Moore gets last dig at the ABs

It comes as Rob Simmons was recalled to the Wallabies XV in place of injured second-rower Izack Rodda, while Karmichael Hunt will miss out on a chance to tackle the All Blacks for the first time. 

After plenty of speculation as to whether Moore, a veteran of 124 tests, would get an opportunity to farewell Australian fans in the final Bledisloe Cup match of the year, Cheika has shown faith in the 34-year-old. 

Cheika backs place for Forrest

Forrest outlined plans on Wednesday for his Indo Pacific Rugby Championship, a 10-round competition that will run between August and October next year concurrently with Australia's National Rugby Championship. 

The billionaire has plans to lure Australian players back from overseas, creating a competition where some of the nation's best can earn a quick dollar that won't burn a hole into the pockets of the Australian Rugby Union. 

Wallabies settle in the west

Staying in Penrith for the first part of the week, the Wallabies are removed from the usual Moore Park surrounds of other Sydney weeks, a change skipper Michael Hooper is enjoying.

“The facilities are fantastic out here, so we're able to stay and walk to our grounds and really have that focus on footy and connect with the people out here,” he said.

Though they’re out of the inner-city bubble, things are starting to get real fast for the Wallabies and Hooper, for one, can’t wait.

Cheika calls angry Wallabies fan

Gregor Townsend's side ended a three-match losing streak against Australia in Sydney as they sealed a 24-19 win, Hamish Watson's second-half try proving decisive.

Defeat was a shock for the Wallabies given Scotland were without some of their star players like Stuart Hogg, Greig Laidlaw and Tommy Seymour due to British and Irish Lions responsibilities.

And one fan took to Facebook to express his anger at the loss, Jack Quigley calling the performance "a disgrace" and questioning how much the current Wallabies side care about playing for their country.

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika disgusted by Henry Speight no-try ruling in 37-10 loss to New Zealand

In a contentious aftermath to the match, All Blacks coach Steve Hansen accused his Wallabies counterpart Cheika of "hijacking" New Zealand's record celebrations following the Bledisloe Cup finale.

Seething at being dressed up as a red-nosed clown in the New Zealand Herald on the morning of the match, Cheika claimed the All Blacks do not respect the Wallabies.

"They dressed us up as clowns today. They put our crest on it, so they wouldn't want our comment (about the record)," Cheika snapped.

When the thunder starts, you have to be ready for it, says Cheika

Michael Cheika apparently did not have much of a sidestep when he was a straightforward, bruising number eight in his playing days but Australia’s coach has developed a pretty nifty one behind the coach’s microphone.

With the hype before the Wallabies' match with England on Saturday set to reach stratospheric levels, Cheika demonstrated on Tuesday a light diplomatic touch which enabled him to dance round the verbal hand grenades being chucked his way at a news conference.

Wallabies eye off Wales in World Cup warm-up

A quarter-final berth will almost certainly be on the line when Australia face Wales at Twickenham on October 10 in the last round of games in Pool A.

If the two sides avoid a slip-up against Fiji or Uruguay, and with hosts England expected to top the group, their battle at Twickenham will decide which of the two proud rugby nations will be packing their bags before the knockout phase.

The Wallabies have beaten Wales in their last 10 meetings since 2009, however all but one victory has been by nine points or less.