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SYDNEY. — Jake White has offered to replace under-siege Michael Cheika as Wallabies coach and was due to have a phone hook-up with Rugby Australia yesterday, but it was cancelled after news of the call was leaked.

The South African, who steered the Springboks to the 2007 Rugby World Cup title, approached the governing body after Australia won just four of their 13 Tests this year.

Rugby Australia chief executive Raelene Castle has repeatedly said Cheika continues to have her backing to take the team to the World Cup in Japan next year, which is when his contract runs out.

But mounting pressure came to a head after their 37-18 defeat by England last weekend, with calls intensifying for a change of guard. It followed a tryless loss to Wales and an uninspiring win over Italy. The phone call was to assess what White – a former Brumbies coach – had to offer as a possible alternative, but it was hastily called off after being leaked to the media.

“Jake White approached Rugby Australia and asked to have a conversion,” a RA spokesperson said.

“Rugby Australia has decided not to proceed with the call.” — AFP