Campo - 'Aussies too conservative'
August 20, 2001

Former Wallaby great David Campese says Australia have become too conservative to be able to break down defensive-minded sides like South Africa.

Australia were held 14-14 by the Springboks in their Tri-Nations clash on Saturday when the Boks were down to 14 men for 20 minutes of the game.

"Defences are certainly stronger since the game went professional, but sometimes you have to put yourself out on a limb if you want to see what you are really capable of achieving," he writes in his column in The Australian newspaper.

"Unfortunately, I don't think the Wallabies took that risk against the Springboks, especially when the South Africans were twice down to 14 men in the second half.

"Australia has a great backline but it needs to be used more often," adds the former winger who played 101 Tests for Australia.

Campese says the Boks' try, sparked by flyhalf Butch James' long cut-out pass to send scrumhalf Joost van der Westhuizen into the clear, was the best piece of backline play on the night.

Campese also warns Australia scrumhalf George Gregan to keep his temper under control if he wants to succeed John Eales as captain.

Australian Rugby Union chief John O'Neill has also called for proper use of the video referee after television replays showed Springbok lock Mark Andrews had a foot in touch when he scored.

But Campese says that is beside the point. "Australia wasted their chances." - Sapa-AFP

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices