Rugby: Clear I'm not liked by Kiwis - Cheika

Coach Michael Cheika was on Thursday formally warned for approaching referee Jaco Peyper during his NSW Waratahs' 23-11 victory over the Blues at Allianz Stadium. Photo / Getty Images

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika says it's "obvious" he's not liked or respected in New Zealand as the fallout continues from his unsolicited entry to the referee's room during a Super Rugby match last month.

Cheika was on Thursday formally warned for approaching referee Jaco Peyper during his NSW Waratahs' 23-11 victory over the Blues at Allianz Stadium.

While Cheika is keen to move on after being slapped on the wrists, many across the Tasman have questioned why Sanzar didn't come down harder on him given he is still serving a six-month suspended ban for abusing a cameraman in South Africa last year.

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie has expressed dismay at Cheika's conduct and at the leniency shown by Super Rugby's governing body, which deemed Cheika had broken a law of the game - but not breached the code of conduct - by approaching Peyper seeking clarification of a scrum ruling.

Had he breached the code of conduct, Cheika would have triggered the ban and not been able to coach the Wallabies in an all-important World Cup year.

Asked after the Waratahs' 32-18 pummelling at the hands of the Stormers on Saturday night if he felt like the victim of a smear campaign in New Zealand, Cheika said: "Obviously I'm not liked over there or not respected. But it won't change my opinion of them.

"I respect them for their football. They've got good football players, good coaches ... and they've got a long list of them.

"That's the way I'll always think. I don't change with the wind."

Despite being accused of knowingly cheating by entering the referee's room mid-game, Cheika said he'd made a conscious effort since being placed on his suspended ban - which expires on August 31 - to behave carefully.

"I've taken particular care since that day back in South Africa and I wasn't careless the other day either," he said.

Being grilled about his predicament only added to Cheika's woes after the Waratahs slipped to 10th place on the table in their title defence after a big loss to the Stormers.

"I'm here to talk about the game," he said. "It's not even an issue for me. It's an issue for someone else."

- AAP