should Cheika go?

Persiancowboy

Many of the posts from Leinster fans on the Munster/Leinster thread seem very downbeat, not just in relation to last Saturday's performance and result but also in terms of Leinster's prospects for the rest of the season.

In light of that and the fact that yet again there seems a high possibility of the team winning nothing this season, it seems to me that questions must be raised about whether Michael Cheika is the right man to continue coaching Leinster.

I believe that he is in many respects the Gerard Houllier of Irish rugby - i.e. a total spoofer who if there were medals for bullsh*tting would be covered from head to toe in them. Some of his "imports" have been disastrous as have some of his team selections (last Saturday for example).

The bottom line is this- what difference has he made to Leinster since being appointed - has he improved/strengthened the team/squad or are they essentially where they were when he took over? I heard Niall Francis say on To-day FM last evening that he is now under pressure and that Leinster might well need to start looking for a new coach.

Aidric

If they lose to Harlequins at the weekend and fail to claw back Munster in the Magners, both of which are very likely, I don't see how he can hold on to his position as Head Coach.

thomond2006

Maybe a poll would be suitable for this thread. Could a mod create one plz?

Really, this question should be asked after Sunday.

anonymous_joe

Houllier wasn't a spoofer, that was the problem.

He was a good coach, and knew a hell of a lot about football, more than the vast majority of people. He was instrumental in developing French youth, and has had a hugely positive effect on football in general as a result.

The similarity with Cheika is that both are very good coaches, however, things seem to have stalled (as for GH at Pool) and progress doesn't appear to be being made at any real level outside of the pack, and when you sign Elsom that's bloody helpful, that's a great player playing well, after all. But yeah, the pack has improved a fair whack in terms of personnel (Cullen and Jennings coming back).

Back play has really gone downhill this season, which is a bit of a worry considering Leinster make up the guts of the nations backs too, these guys clearly have the ability, that it's not happening, well... That's worrying as I say.

We're second in the league, and in the HC quarter finals. A lot depends on Sunday. If we win, there'll be ecstacy, if we lose, I could see the knives coming out.

velocirafter

let hope they appoint Mike Bradley to Leinster, then connacht can get a new coach aswell

Otacon

anonymous_joe wrote: »

We're second in the league, and in the HC quarter finals. A lot depends on Sunday. If we win, there'll be ecstacy, if we lose, I could see the knives coming out.

Are Leinster in that position in spite of or because of Cheika?

As you say, Sunday is D-Day.

shmaido

We need Knox to come back, he really had the backs firing at their peak. things have gone downhill in that area since he left. Now we only have a good forwards coach, and it shows.

old boy

munster supporters will be hoping that he stays.

outwest

if leinster fail to even put in a decent 80 min thne yes he should be sacked.

and i have a perfect replacement

like leinster. he is
the irfu's little pet
has many years experience
has coached a team to two semi finals in europe.
the only downside is that when he is in. he is there for good. only way to get rid of him is for a better job to come along.

he has also coached ireland
so bradley is your man. you can have weneever u want.

also for all the leinster fans good luck at the weekend i have you to win in a forecast bet. dont let me down.

robgloster

Yes

I think he has done all he can do and a fresh look at things will bring a spark to the squad

anonymous_joe

Otacon wrote: »

Are Leinster in that position in spite of or because of Cheika?

As you say, Sunday is D-Day.

I'm inclined to say he's along for the ride. Given that Leinster have traditionally been a team capable of a HC GF, though in recent years have probably had worse luck than Munster in terms of groups (and don't mention last year, I know Munster's was really tough).

I don't know that this is progress rather than maintenance of pre-existing standards.

I'll put it this way, if Cheika goes to the Force this summer, even if he wins us a HC, I won't be too put out. But I'm not going to demand his head while the season's still ongoing. Because for all we know we could still win the ML and the HC. (As to whether I think that will happen, one has to wonder what level of delusion I can muster.)