Mario Ledesma backing Michael Cheika to come good

Argentina boss Mario Ledesma is backing Michael Cheika as the Wallabies‘ coach and insisted he will steer them to winning ways again soon.

Cheika has been heavily criticised after the Wallabies suffered their first defeat to Argentina on Australian soil since 1983.

And Ledesma, who previously worked as Cheika’s assistant for three seasons, said it was a “bittersweet” feeling to know that the Pumas’ 23-19 victory over the Wallabies on the Gold Coast has put more pressure on Cheika to retain his position.

“That was my team. Still is, in one way,” Ledesma told AAP.

“And the bond that we have is not going to disappear from one day to the other.”

Despite the Wallabies’ inconsistent form, Ledesma is confident that Cheika’s methods will bear fruit soon.

“I know it’s difficult to see when you’re not winning but the depth that Michael has brought to Australian rugby, the age of the front-rowers out there, second-rowers out there, even wingers, centres; that wasn’t the case a couple of years ago,” he said.

“The level of fitness of the boys (is higher) compared to a couple of years ago.

“The way he united the head coaches of Super Rugby to work together physically and technically, the basic skills and stuff like that… it’s going to pay, 100 per cent it’s going to pay (sooner) than later.

“I know that.”