Cheika claimed honesty is the best policy when announcing team line-ups ahead of the Wallabies' Rugby World Cup opener against Fiji.
Just before announcing the Wallabies' starting XV for Wednesday's match in Cardiff on Monday, he revealed there was no point sugar-coating decisions or coming up with false explanations when dealing with such a talent-laden squad as Australia's.
Only Wycliff Palu (hamstring) will be unavailable for the Pool A match against Fiji from Cheika's 31-man squad.
"What I don't believe in is making stuff up just to talk to a player," he said.
"Sometimes it's like 'mate, this my gut feel' or 'this is way I'm going to do it'.
"At this level a player not getting picked doesn't mean he's not travelling well.
"It's just competitive, so if I'm honest all the time then I know I will get good payback from that."
Team to play Fiji:
1. Scott Sio
2. Stephen Moore (capt)
3. Sekope Kepu
4. Kane Douglas
5. Rob Simmons
6. Scott Fardy
7. Michael Hooper
8. David Pocock
9. Will Genia
10. Bernard Foley
11. Adam Ashley-Cooper
12. Matt Giteau
13. Tevita Kuridrani
14. Rob Horne
15. Israel Folau
Bench: Slipper, Holmes, TPN, Skelton, Mumm, Phipps, Toomua, Beale.