Australian rugby legend David Campese has declared his views has led to him being ‘cancelled’ by the country he gave so much to.
Campese, one of rugby’s most historic and recognisable stars, is a two-time World Cup winner with the Wallabies and part of the 1984 test team that produced a clean sweep during their tour of the four home nations.
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David Campese is one of Australia’s most iconic rugby playersCredit: Getty
The then much-loved figure retired from the sport in 1998, but things haven’t exactly gone to plan since then.
A man for the big occasion on the pitch has been only too happy to express his true feelings off it, causing a few ruffled feathers in Australian rugby.
Campese has no plans to change his tactics of holding those accountable for what he describes as a lack of passion and direction in the national team.
“The culture and the history of a club, country or business is very important,” Campese told The Telegraph. “If you don’t understand why you’re playing, then it doesn’t help.
“In 1984, we were so proud. I’m not saying the current Wallabies aren’t, but it’s a different mindset, mate. It’s about money. They’re paid. It’s a job.
“That’s part of life – that’s good. But when you get paid and you play for a big country I think you should have more respect and understanding of why you’re there.
“It’s not that they don’t care, they’re just playing for a different reason. It’s about money nowadays. Unfortunately, it’s a job, and when it’s a job you don’t have the same passion and enthusiasm. You just turn up and play. It doesn’t come from the heart.
“They’re playing for a team that won a grand slam and two World Cups – and they have no idea why they’re playing!
“When I started, aged 19, I had no idea what the hell I was doing, but I soon learnt about the history and the culture of the Wallabies.
“If you mentioned Greg Cornelsen to these guys, no one would know him. He’s the only Wallaby to have scored four tries against New Zealand at Eden Park, in 1978!
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Campese was so often the scorn of English defencesCredit: Getty
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The legendary winger helped lead Australia to two World CupsCredit: Getty
“No one’s got any idea! It’s about money. They’re getting 60k or whatever to play for the Wallabies – we got £20 a day. We played 18 games on the ‘84 tour!”
And it’s safe to say that Campese and Rugby Australia share a frosty relationship today.
The former star holds the governing body responsible for the current state of Australian rugby which has seen them win just four of their nine matches this year.
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Campese has called upon the board to resign, claiming head coach Joe Schmidt has no idea about Australian rugby.
“If we didn’t have the Lions or the World Cup in 2027 then there’d be no rugby union in Australia at all,” Campese says.
“We’re in so much debt, but the board is still there! What do they say: a fish rots from the head? I could pick ten people to replace them who would do a far better job.
“I’ve been cancelled so the only way I can get my message across is through my own podcast, Campo: Uncut & Uncensored. There’s not one journalist in Australia who speaks to me.
“I was kicked off Stan [Australian subscription streaming service] and out the paper so that’s why I do my podcasts. It’s because I tell the truth.
“And then there’s Joe Schmidt. He has no idea about Australian rugby. He’s a New Zealander. He’s not interested in finding out who we are.
“We used to counter-attack or, at least, attack from the opposition 22. Now, we maul from the 22. That’s not Australian rugby. We used to attack!
“In Australia, we need to entertain to get people to watch. We have four ‘football’ codes out here. When you’re mauling the ball, it’s not good enough.”
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Former Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt took charge of Australia in MarchCredit: Getty Images – Getty
He continued: “I’m not saying he’s a bad coach, but why do we have to have a New Zealand coach? We’re not New Zealanders. No one has ever coached a foreign team to a Rugby World Cup victory.
“Eddie Jones was an assistant coach with South Africa in 2007, but look around the world now and most sides have native coaches.
“We’ve got a Kiwi sevens coach, too – and no one even knew there was a job available.
“Mike Catt is coming up to coach the Waratahs. He has no idea about Australian rugby, either, he’s South African-English!
“Every country used to have its own unique way of playing. It’s just sad that we have to get people from other codes to coach us. That used to be what was unique about rugby; you had your own way of playing.”
Ahead of Australia’s clash with England at Twickenham on Saturday, Campese heaped praise on Marcus Smith claiming he has ‘never seen him play so well’, while aiming another dig at Schmidt for his use of Australian pairing Tate McDermott and Ben Donaldson.
“England have to keep Smith on for 80 minutes,” said Campese. “You can’t take him off. Why would you take one of your best players off? Let him play 80 minutes. That’s what rugby used to be about!
“We have trouble with [Taniela] Tupou, who only ever plays 30 minutes of rugby. Let him play 80 minutes, for God’s sake.
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Campese urged England to make better use of fly-half Marcus SmithCredit: Getty
“I have no idea about props but I know one thing: he gets injured in the first ten minutes of a game. He only lasts 30 minutes max and he’s on a bloody lot of money.
“Someone should tell him [Schmidt] to grow some balls. If you want to be someone, mate, this is your chance.
“I rate [fly-half] Donaldson, [scrum-half] McDermott, [back-rowers] Fraser McReight and Harry Wilson.
“The players are there but they don’t play the combinations together. McDermott is unpredictable and instinctive but he gives teams space.
“They don’t seem to put Donaldson and McDermott together. The rumour was that Schmidt told Donaldson that he was the best No. 10 in Australia – but he doesn’t play him!
“Why? I don’t understand. If you’re going to label someone, pick them.
“Give them four or five Tests together. Don’t keep on changing it. You’ve had nine Tests this year and we’ve won four.”
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