Michael Cheika reminds Wallabies what they’re missing with World Cup masterclass to guide Argentina into semi-finals

Former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has taken Argentina to the semi-finals of the Rugby World Cup with a stunning 29-17 win over Wales – and reminded the Wallabies what they are missing.

Los Pumas went into the match as underdogs and trailed 10-0 at one stage, but a strong second half saw them win and book a semi-final next week against New Zealand.

Cheika’s side became the first team to qualify for the semi-finals in Paris and the 56-year-old Austrian, who led the Wallabies to the 2015 final, was very proud of the achievement.

‘Quite happy, I think. These players are such good people without getting too emotional,” said Cheika.

“They have worked very hard and I think that hard work showed at the end of today’s game. They wanted to fight for it, they wanted to win it.

Michael Cheika has coached Argentina to the semi-finals of the Rugby World Cup

Cheika’s side came from behind to beat Wales 29-17 in Marseille

Watch every World Cup match ad-free, live and on demand in 4K UHD Stan Sport.

“We were behind, so it takes a bit of footwork. All 23 together with the 10 who did not play put in a great effort.’

When asked if Argentina could go all the way, Cheika didn’t want to go ahead.

“I don’t know if we’re going to go ahead with blanket statements yet,” he said.

‘We will wait and see. We are excited to go to Paris, we haven’t tasted it yet in this World Cup.

“We will watch today’s game and I know we will not be the favorites, but we will give our best.”

Argentina had to come from behind twice to win the game, with playmaker Nicolas Sanchez securing victory late on with a stunning strike.

Cheika kept his cool off the pitch and insists he was never worried his side couldn’t get back into the game.

“I have experience in these types of matches, 10-0 is a lot, but the moment is important,” said Cheika.

Argentina became the first team to qualify for the semi-finals in Paris

Argentina and New Zealand will now meet in the first semi-final of the 2023 Rugby World Cup

“When you get some positive momentum you can put quick points on the board and we were always in the game.”

Aussie rugby fans had a field day with the result.

“The sacking of Australian rugby Michael Cheika, who continues to coach Argentina … and the Wallabies making it to the group stage … and Argentina now reaching the semi-finals … is entirely on brand for Rugby Australia,” said a fan.

“Michael Cheika has just led his Argentina team to a World Cup semi-final. Wallabies are an embarrassment,’ replied another.

Michael Cheika’s Argentina in the #rugbyworldcup2023 semi-final. A 29-17 win over Wales. Cheik Cam a beauty. Well played. He has built a fair resume. A brilliant come from behind 10-0 win. They will play the winner of Ireland and New Zealand,” posted a third.

Cheika’s contract with the Pumas is understood to expire after this World Cup and it is no secret that he would like to manage the Wallabies again one day.