Wallaby legend David Campese was on the shortlist to be given the honour of handing out the team jerseys before Australia’s match against the Boks last week. He was, however, quickly rejected by the Wallaby players – probably because they have so often been the victim of Campo’s candid views on the state of Australia rugby since he became a columnist.
The Aussies then asked former Wallaby and Springbok hardman Tiaan Strauss to hand out their jerseys. All credit to the legend – he politely declined saying it would put him in an awkward position. Wallaby coach John Connolly then just dished out the jerseys by himself.
In classic Campo style, he was typically candid about the Wallaby snub.
“I would have been in an absolute state of shock if they had asked me to present the jumper,” he told Australian newspaper The Daily Telegraph.
“So no, it doesn’t upset me at all. I’m past that. I’m a columnist now and I’m allowed to give my point of view. Some people just don’t seem to like that. And if they want me to write nice and cuddly things about them when it’s simply not justified, then they’re talking to the wrong guy.”
He believes that today’s players “do not like criticism”.
“So you’ve got to be nice, like Phil Kearns is on TV about his good mate George Gregan every week.
“I think if you’ve got a strong point of view you voice it. I don’t whisper behind people’s backs. I say what I think and people know where I stand.
“What do they want me to write – that the Wallabies are great every week, they’re fantastic and they’re always playing great rugby? You’d only be kidding yourself to do that.
“Take a look at the record and tell me if I’ve been too harsh in recent seasons. The Wallabies have played 15 games away from home over the past five years against New Zealand, South Africa and France, and they have not won one of them. Not one. How do I make that look better?
“They haven’t beaten South Africa in South Africa since 2000. Am I supposed to be saying how good that is? These days no one seems to do anything wrong yet the results are not what you’d call sensational.
“It’s interesting that people here do seem interested in my views. And at the moment I’m doing things I want to do with my life. I’ve got a beautiful wife, two great kids, and I’m enjoying my time in South Africa. Why should I worry? Life’s too short.”
His continued criticism of old man George Gregan was in all probability the major reason for the rejection by the Wallaby players.
“Is that bad? Gregan has not shown great form over the last couple of years and if the last two coaches are honest they would admit that. Why else was Matt Giteau being looked at as a scrum-half?
“What am I supposed to do? Ignore what I’m seeing? You’re dreaming if you say Gregan’s played well over the last couple of years leading into this season. This year he’s back to playing his best, and I wonder if it’s because he got a jolt, realising his job might be on the line. But were they listening when I said on TV, before the Test, that Australia would give the Boks a run for their money?”