AUSTRALIA GREAT DAVID Campese says he has changed his mind about Joe Schmidt, admitting the New Zealander is “proving me wrong” as Wallabies coach.
Campese, 62, was furious about Rugby Australia’s decision to appoint Schmidt, who helped steer his native All Blacks to a runners-up finish at last year’s Rugby World Cup.
“I don’t believe we should have a Kiwi coach,” said Campese. “Joe Schmidt hasn’t won anything. Yes, he might have won a Six Nations (with Ireland), but the World Cup is the ultimate for any sports player or coach, and he hasn’t won anything.
“We always seem to get a coach that has never won anything. We always seem to get the second-best Kiwi coach, never the first-best.”
Campese, who scored 64 tries in 101 Tests added: “Joe Schmidt has got no idea about our culture or history.
“We’re mauling the ball from 22 metres out. We don’t do that. That’s not Australian rugby.”
But a few months on Campese took a very different turn after wins over England and Wales this month.
Indeed those victories, featuring 13 tries in total, have left Campese calling on officials to offer Schmidt a contract extension through to the 2027 World Cup, a tournament where Australia are the hosts.
“He (Schmidt) is proving me wrong again,” said Campese. “It didn’t start well but the players have responded well to the coach. He seems to be doing a great job. He is only on a two-year deal until after the British and Irish Lions tour next year. He will do everything he can do in that time.”
Campese, speaking to Vision4Sport, added: “There was a rumour that Schmidt was just a stop gap but who knows. If he carries on with the improvement and they do well against the Lions, then they would have to look at a new deal until the World Cup.”
A gifted attacking player in his own right, Campese also forecast a bright Wallaby future for Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii following the rugby league convert’s impressive Test debut against England at Twickenham.
“What impresses me the most about him is that he is not a selfish player,” Campese said. “He got the ball and did what he had to do as a centre with his passing and offloading. He demonstrated that he is a team player…He has learned rapidly and he is only going to get better.”
Australia continue their tour against Scotland on Sunday before their final match against Ireland in Dublin.
So Campese only wanted someone who had coached a winning WC team? Personally I would prefer Schmidt to Clive Woodward. Think hes forgotten its 3 6Nations , one with a slam, 2x Hcup, One Pro 14, and one top 14. Very few coaches with that honor list, but hes won nothing lol.
Even in Ireland some deride Schmidt, remembering just his last season, but before that he was best coach in the world, and has proven to be a top class coach, was a time when we said in Schmidt we truct, currently say that about Farrell, but likewise he may stay in to long and it turn a bit sour at the end, doesnt take away the achievements of now. Australia lucky to have Schmidt, top class coach.
@Kingshu: Yep, Schmidt is a brilliant coach and I for one will always remember him fondly for what he did for Irish rugby. Even if he shot us down in the WC
@Kingshu: Schmidt was a fantastic coach really. He brought results. And let’s not forget he coached us to our first ever victory against the kiwis. Campese sounds myopic and entitled. I’m surprised he has the wherewithal to admit he was wrong. Under Schmidt, Australia could actually win the whole thing in RWC27.
Funny that isn’t it David. Imagine actually giving a world class coach a bit of time and patience to implement change and improvement. Wonders will never cease. Campese was an exceptional player obviously, but unfortunately he’s an absolute half wit of an observer on the game. The media is full of them.
@Carmine Lorenzo: it’s rare for a former great player to appear to know so little about the game he once excelled at. I guess he played on instinct alone
Campo chats as much s***e as Franno , they can both get in the sea
@Colm O’Keane: Yeah Campese seems to need an HIA. Not sure he should come back on to be honest
Didnt he win a grand slam and plenty club stuff
I spent 23 years listening to Campo … this is gold !