‘Passionate’ Cheika not for turning

MICHAEL CHEIKA has dismissed two recent sideline incidents involving himself and assistant coach David Knox as storms in a teacup and claims the Australian pair will not be altering their style of management.

Cheika is said to have encroached on the sideline and abused officials at the Celtic League game between Leinster and Munster on New Year’s Eve, while Knox allegedly made derogatory comments to Bath supporters at last Sunday’s Heineken Cup match at the Recreation Ground.

“You know me, I’ve tried to be a pretty courteous chap most of my life. We build a lot of things on respect here. I’m passionate about the team winning. It’s a very emotional game and, for that moment, I let my emotions get away from me. The referee was very mature about it,” said Cheika of the incident during the Munster match.