The Wallabies have built quickly to reach a World Cup final.
When the World Cup final rolls around, Michael Cheika will have been at the Wallabies helm for 374 days.
In the scheme of global rugby it’s a short transformation and Cheika has taken many opportunities to point out his relative inexperience at the national helm, despite his provincial successes.
Wallabies lock Rob Simmons knows a bit about quick journeys after scoring the fastest try of this World Cup against Argentina, in just the second minute of Sunday’s win.
He said the time had flown from last year’s Spring Tour to the realisation of a childhood dream.
“Yeah it’s felt really quick,” he said.
“Especially when you’re working so hard and working towards something, working towards this goal.
“We had a real big focus on just working day to day and not looking too far in front of ourselves but it really makes the time fly.
“From the spring tour last year, what we were building from there to (being) here already.
“We’re here now and one more week to go.”
Vice-captain Michael Hooper said he wasn’t surprised how quickly things have seemingly fallen in place for the Wallabies, after playing under Cheika at the Waratahs.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Cheik for a couple of years at the Waratahs and i’ve seen what he’s brought - I’ve seen how passionate he is,” he said.
“It’s hard not to buy into his passion.
“As a player you just want to get behind that .He does a great job in leading that, coming up with exciting things. It’s tough not to get behind.
Cheika played down the transformative nature of his tenure, in the aftermath of their win ove Los Pumas.
“I’m not taking credit for any of that type of stuff,” he said.
“I just think that guys are playing for each other and they want to play for Australia and they’re committed when they run on the field.
“It hasn’t always been perfect but the commitment’s there and...in rugby, that’s the basis to be committed for your teammates, it’s a contact sport.”
The final chapter in this relative whirlwind journey for the Wallabies will transpire in just six days, a turnaround that Hooper is excited for.
“It’s exciting that it’s so quick,” he said.
“I love the fact it’s a short week, before you know it we’re into it. We’ll be back here in six days.”
