Les Kiss solidified his chances of becoming the next Wallabies coach after leading the Queensland Reds to a commanding 35-15 victory over the NSW Waratahs. The win earned the Reds the Bob Templeton Cup for the 21st time, edging the Waratahs, who have claimed it 20 times since the cup’s introduction in 2000. This result also marked the end of NSW’s unbeaten streak in Super Rugby Pacific, with the Reds climbing to third place on the standings.
Kiss, a former Queensland and Kangaroos winger, has been considered a frontrunner to succeed Joe Schmidt as head coach of the Wallabies once Schmidt steps down after the Rugby Championship in October. Having previously collaborated successfully with Schmidt in Ireland, there is speculation about the pair reuniting in key roles within Rugby Australia. Schmidt is returning to New Zealand for family reasons but has expressed interest in remaining involved in an advisory capacity if his successor desires it.
Other candidates for the Wallabies position include Dan McKellar (Waratahs), Stephen Larkham (Brumbies), and Jamie Joseph (Highlanders), although Joseph has distanced himself from the role. It has been reported that McKellar has yet to undergo a formal interview. The selection panel comprises Peter Horne, Phil Waugh, Dan Herbert, and John Eales.
After the Reds’ win, Kiss commented on the ongoing discussions with Rugby Australia while emphasising his commitment to the Reds and their preparation leading into upcoming matches. The team had recently suffered a heavy loss to the Crusaders, and with another defeat against the Waratahs, there could have been concerns about his potential candidacy. However, Kiss remained focused on the future, noting significant improvements made by his team in this latest match.
The Waratahs, led by captain Hugh Sinclair, faced a challenging evening. Sinclair admitted that while his team showed flashes of good play, they were ultimately outplayed. McKellar expressed frustration with his team’s performance, particularly regarding missed opportunities and soft moments that cost them.
In summary, the Reds’ strong performance under Kiss not only secured a significant victory but also reinforced his candidacy for the Wallabies coaching role, setting the stage for potential changes in Australian rugby leadership.