As with any discussion there are two sides to the coin and this article is in response to The Roar’s article about David Campese’s claims that he had been “cancelled” by the Australian media.
I approached Campese with a view to finding out more about the man, as I believed the article did not fully represent who Campese is as a human being.
I must admit to being a little shocked at the general tone of the piece and wondered what had Campo done that was so terribly wrong.
Yes, he is outspoken, has his own opinions and is a truth teller.
Why is it that those who present the truth these days are vilified? Is it because we find it difficult to face the truth as it is more painful? If you are told your rugby team is below standard that does not infer we no longer support the team. In fact, it is the opposite as we dearly want the team to do well.
After chatting with Campese, I concluded he is extraordinarily enthusiastic about Australian rugby and the desire for them to return to the glory days. Anything wrong with that?
I get the feeling that because you supported or played in another era you do not have any right to critique the current team. Several ex-players including Wayne Smith, Carlos Spencer and Tana Umaga have come out recently to give their opinions on the state of rugby today. What were they meant to do? Stay silent or express their views?
Campese has had 33 years of rugby playing experience – why should that not be utilised in some form.
I asked David what role he would enjoy if he was invited back into the fold of Australian rugby and he replied, mentoring fullbacks and wingers. What a great idea and why not? His objective is for Australian rugby to do well, pure and simple.
David Campese (centre) of Australia is tackled from behind as Will Carling #13 of England moves in during a match in Australia. (Photo by Getty Images).
Campo stated the coaching systems and players are there but are not being used to their best ability. He recalled Dick Marks who ran the National Coaching Scheme but was controversially replaced by CEO John O’Neill for Welsh Coach Alex Evans.
Under Marks’ scheme, the Wallabies won a Grand Slam, a World Cup and a Bledisloe Series. It appears from the outside that events get very political in Australian rugby under people who may not have the best interests of the game at heart. People and personalities get in the way of potential success and is Campese a victim of those political differences?
Was his forthright manner the reason for his dismissal from Channel 9 rugby commentary? He told it as he saw it, was quite insightful and could articulate what others could not see. Another example of a straightshooter scaring people with their views that others do not want to hear.
I asked David why Australians and New Zealanders cannot celebrate their heroes like say the Americans do. He replied it was attributed to the tall poppy syndrome which is prevalent in both countries. This is an example of a question that many in either country will be offended by but is an appropriate question. We want our heroes to be humble, quiet, non-controversial characters not those who are outspoken and forthright.
In response to my question about The Roar editor Tony Harper’s line about a “personal anecdote” from an interaction at AthletesVoice, David had no recall of the incident and stated he had never met Tony before.
I also asked him why players like him and Jonah Lomu were more revered in overseas countries than their home countries. He replied that overseas there is not the same pressure to perform as there is back home. If you look at their greatest performances that is the case.
Campo said he still gets reminded of “that pass” in 1989 by some including Tim Horan and I said to him that is it not strange that a no look pass in 1991 was more effective than a pass where he did look in 1989!
But that sums up David “Campo” Campese as a great mercurial talent who graced the world rugby stage, was prone to error and the tendency to speak inappropriately but is not deserving of public cancelling.
I asked David if he wished he had been more compliant and he replied yes, especially to those close to him! But that is the mark of the man who is a unique character.
He told me a story about an ex-player saying that Campo was the most hated man in Australian rugby, a comment his kids heard and asked why did the commentator say that, anyone have the answer to that comment? I personally cannot think of anything he has said or done that would justify such a statement.
