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WHILE the push for Todd Louden to take over as Waratahs coach intensifies, Ewen McKenzie remained stoic yesterday, saying he was accustomed to carrying "saddle bags" of speculation that he is in his final weeks.
McKenzie's five-year reign as Waratahs coach appears to be nearing its end, with sources telling the Herald last night his assistant Louden is poised to take over if the team fails to deliver the style of positive rugby that several NSW Rugby Union directors are demanding.
The pressure on McKenzie was intensified this week when NSWRU officials said his future hinged on the Waratahs' next three Super 14 games. However, the Herald has been told that Waratahs officials have been scouting for candidates for some time, including in the northern hemisphere, where Michael Cheika and Alan Gaffney were on their list.
Another overseas candidate is understood to be Blues coach David Nucifora, who is also the favourite to replace Pat Howard as the Australian Rugby Union's high-performance-unit manager.
Waratahs officials have strongly denied they have been looking "externally", but one highly placed European source said last night: "NSW Rugby are saying one thing, but I'm telling you, they're doing the other."
At Waratahs training yesterday, McKenzie admitted he had been unhappy at headlines saying he had three games "to beat the sack", but said it was one of the trappings of being a coach. In recent weeks, not only has McKenzie been criticised for the team's dour playing style, there have also been questions over the fitness of the Waratahs, and the management's handling of league import Timana Tahu's hamstring issues.
"The team is going all right, but there is obviously a lot happening around the edges," McKenzie said yesterday. "The saddle bags keep getting loaded up. But that's all right. I'll carry that burden. Hopefully, the team can remain as unaffected as possible and get on with playing."
McKenzie was speaking shortly after the team had been addressed by James Castrission and Justin Jones, who recently became the first to kayak from Australia to New Zealand. It wasn't long before McKenzie was asked whether the Waratahs were up the creek without a paddle.
"No, we're all right," McKenzie said. "We're all right as a team. It's you guys on the outside who certainly have an opinion. We'll keep battling away. Others mightn't be able to see it, but we can see the finishing line. This is a test of character, a test of nerve, and I will keep fronting up. I don't mind. I've got big shoulders, and can carry a big load."
McKenzie said that what he had to achieve to hold on to his position had not changed.
"I haven't been told anything other than I've got to get into the semi-finals," he said. "I have been aware of that since the middle of last year. I am intelligent enough to work out what the performance parameter is. Unless someone can tell me there's a final four already been decided, I will keep going. Until someone tells me who the final four teams are, I will keep going. The team has the same attitude."
The move to promote Louden, who was the attack coach of Super 14 champions the Bulls last year, from within the Waratahs has merit. It would aid a smooth transition and he has first-hand knowledge of the changes required.
Louden has had a steady rise as a coach since guiding Randwick to the minor premiership in the 2006 Tooheys New Cup and a grand-final loss to Sydney University. So valued is he that after leaving the Bulls for NSW, he was reportedly asked to return as late as the start of this year. Wallabies coach-to-be, Robbie Deans has also noted Louden's ability, telling the Herald last week: "It was very evident, the impact he had on the Bulls."
"Remember lads, rugby is a team game; all 14 of you make sure you pass the ball to ..........." 
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