Australia's urgent quest to appoint a new national coach ahead of their European tour took a major step forward today, as Michael Cheika confirmed that he has been offered the job. The New South Wales Waratahs coach – who was previously in charge at Leinster and Stade Francais – guided his side to the Super 15 title this year and he was linked to the Wallabies role even before Ewen McKenzie’s abrupt resignation on Saturday. Now, rumours that Cheika had already been approached have been reinforced by the news that he is on the verge of being appointed. On Sunday, Bill Pulver, the embattled chief executive of the Australian Rugby Union, claimed that he faced a race to find a coach to front the five-match tour which begins against the Barbarians at Twickenham on November 1. However, it appears that he had in fact made his move during the final stages of McKenzie’s turbulent regime.
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Michael Cheika said the opportunity to coach Australia is 'pretty humbling'
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Former coach Ewen McKenzie resigned Saturday after loss to New Zealand
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Cheika set to be in control for Australia's  European tour
‘@placeholder said he was going to struggle to retain the level of support he needs from the playing group, in my view, because of the character assassination he’s suffered in the last two weeks.’