Australia could rest European-based players for England series
Wednesday 27 April 2016 11:53, UK
Michael Cheika says some of Australia's European-based players may skip the three-Test series against England in June due to their heavy workload through the club season.
Cheika spoke to several Wallabies players during a trip to Europe where he watched Six Nations matches, and while they were all keen to play this season it might not be against England.
The Australia coach says it is unlikely players who had completed a full European season would be considered for the England series, and would instead be held back for the Rugby Championship later in the year.
Among the overseas-based players whose fitness will be managed are France-based backs Drew Mitchell and Matt Giteau, prop Sekope Kepu, scrum-half Will Genia and utility back Adam Ashley-Cooper.
"Guys who have had a full season, it's unlikely they will be playing in June and that's a good opportunity for us to get some new players in because we're very keen to grow the base of players that can really contribute to the team," Cheika said.
"The only way to do that is to give them opportunities and then after they (the overseas-based players) have had a bit of a break at the end of their season, we'll look at selection for the Rugby Championship."
Meanwhile, Cheika shrugged off Australia's struggles in Super Rugby this season and hit back at critics for being too pessimistic about the local game.
Four of Australia's five Super Rugby teams are in the doldrums, with only the conference-topping Melbourne Rebels exceeding expectations at the midway point of the season.
"I am not concerned at all," said Cheika. "I only see opportunity all the time I watch the boys play.
"I am not going to say it's all going swimmingly. We would like to have a few more wins as a nation, for sure. But one thing I learned in Super Rugby is that the season goes for 18 rounds and there is a still way to run.
"There is a lot of carry-on from people who have a different agenda or maybe they've had too many years of negativity and they can't break the cycle, instead of just saying 'this is a game of footy, I am going to enjoy it'."
Cheika gave special backing to former captain and flanker Michael Hooper, who was heavily criticised by Australia's first World Cup-winning coach Bob Dwyer as being a "non-event" in Super Rugby this season.
"I don't need to go on the record about what I think about Michael Hooper; I think it will be seen through my selections," said Cheika.
Watch England's series in Australia live on Sky Sports 1 HD, starting with the first Test on June 11.
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