Israel Folau ranks Michael Cheika alongside NRL super coach Wayne Bennett and says he is "absolutely" the man to the lead Australia to Rugby World Cup glory next year.
It was Cheika who stole Folau from under the noses of Parramatta in 2012, selling the code-hopping superstar his vision for the NSW Waratahs before converting the former Kangaroo into a Wallaby.
Now the newly-crowned John Eales Medallist is backing Cheika to work the same wonders with the Wallabies as he did at the Waratahs.
Cheika has just eight Tests - starting with four in November on the European tour - and 10 months to prepare the Wallabies for the World Cup after answering the ARU's SOS call on Wednesday to replace Ewen McKenzie.
Folau, though, had no doubts when asked if the only coach to win the European Cup and Super Rugby titles could also lift the Webb Ellis Cup.
"I think we can. I think he's right man for the job and we're looking forward to having him long term," Folau told AAP before departing on the spring tour on Friday.
Folau has played under some of the great coaches in Australia's three football codes, including Bennett, Craig Bellamy and Mal Meninga in rugby league, and Kevin Sheedy in the AFL.
Already in his two stellar years in rugby union, the champion fullback has been mentored by Cheika, McKenzie and Robbie Deans.
"Cheik's definitely up there with those guys," Folau said.
"They have different styles of coaching that all bring the same message.
"They've got a personal passion for the game and that's what brings the best out of the playing group.
"Cheik's a great coach but, more importantly, he's a great person and we're glad to have him on board."
While the World Cup is fast looming, Folau said the Wallabies' immediate focus was on next month's Tests against Wales, Ireland, France and England.
Wales and England, who host the World Cup, are in Australia's pool for the global showpiece and Folau said the coming tour would serve as vital preparation.
"As a team, there's a lot ahead of us that we want to achieve and I want to finish off the year really strong with some strong performances overseas," he said.
"Next year is another big year in itself, but now our focus is on the short term with the spring tour coming up.
"Obviously they play a different style over there. There's a lot more kicking, I think. The pace of the game is a little slower.
"So at times during a game, you have got to be a little more patient than usual and, as a team, it's very exciting.
"The way we played last week, attacking-wise (against the All Blacks), I think that's the mentality that we've got to have going across.
"The focus should be entirely on the way we want to play the game and, going into next year, it's a perfect scenario for us."
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