Globe-trotter Cheika has backed himself, and his staff, to keep potential British & Irish Lions tourists, and other international stars in peak condition.
Under the Professional Game Partnership deal which came into force this season, Premiership players can only have 30 game involvements per campaign with a one-minute cameo counting towards the tally.
Cheika has named lock Ollie Chessum, scrumhalf Jack van Poortvliet, prop Dan Cole and fullback Freddie Steward in his 23 for today’s clash with Gloucester and all four could be up near the limit by the business end of the season.
With a Lions tour looming next summer, plus Six Nations and potential club knockout commitments, some coaches are juggling their line-ups already – but Cheika has brushed that off.
He said: “I don’t actually think about it all. What I think about is preparing the players correctly so they can meet the challenges they meet.
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