Australia vs Barbarians: New coach Michael Cheika targeting positive environment to prevent post-World Cup Wallabies desertion

A number of key-profile players choose to leave Australia following a major tournament to seek lucrative deals in the Northern Hemisphere

Matt Hodgson, coach Michael Cheika and Matt Toomu (Getty Images)

Michael Cheika insists Australia must take a holistic approach to preventing a post-World Cup player drain next year.

Scrum-half Will Genia and lock James Horwill are among the Wallabies being linked with a move to clubs in Europe once England 2015 is completed.

The Australian Rugby Union will be unable to match the financial rewards available overseas, but Cheika believes they can offer a compelling alternative.

"Let's forget about money for a little bit, the way we'll keep more players in Australia is by giving them the best possible preparation and the most enjoyable game to play," Wallabies head coach Cheika said.

"They need to enjoy it and like what they do. When that happens, it makes it harder to leave because they're heading into the unknown and they're not sure what they're going to get overseas.

"Yes there might be other bait and trappings, but if we can provide a really good place for them to be, it makes it much harder to leave.

"So my main goal is not to go up to any one individual player and ask him to stay, it's to make Australia one of the best places to play rugby."

Australia scrum-half Will Genia has been linked with a move to Bath (GETTY IMAGES)

Cheika has named his first Wallabies team since replacing Ewen McKenzie as head coach last week with Quade Cooper and Will Genia reunited at half-back for Saturday's European tour opener against the Barbarians at Twickenham.

The former Leinster coach outlined his plan to reselect the XV defeated 29-28 by New Zealand almost two weeks ago for the Test against Wales on November 8 in the belief they deserve another chance.

PA