Jake White tipped for Wallabies coaching job

Former Springbok coach Jake White could be in line to coach Australia on a short-term basis after Ewen McKenzie resigned on Saturday.

McKenzie fell on his sword after fending off claims of a relationship with a female member of the Wallabies staff in recent weeks.

Coupled with a 50% winning ratio and failure to beat the All Blacks or win the Bledisloe Cup, he felt his position had become untenable.

Australian Rugby Union chief executive Bill Pulver claimed that no replacements had been approached.

"I've got a list of options in mind and I've got a lot of work to do [but] I did not expect Ewen McKenzie to resign yesterday," Pulver said. "I found out about it at 10am. I'd had no conversations with any other coaches, and don't even know who can get on a plane on Friday. So the next step is trying to understand what options we have."

Michael Cheika, who guided New South Wales to their first Super rugby title, is the logical choice, but is said to be reluctant to take the job on a short-term basis.

White, who coached the Brumbies for two seasons, would have no qualms about a 12-month contract to Rugby World Cup 2015.

He has the backing of several leading Wallaby players and has the ability to turn teams around quickly.