Rugby Union Insights: Campese Analyzes Southern Hemisphere Test Action
In an insightful analysis, Wallabies great David Campese shares his learnings from the recent international rugby union matches in the southern hemisphere. Speaking to Planet Rugby’s James While, Campese delves into the key takeaways from the Springboks vs. Ireland, All Blacks vs. England, and Wallabies vs. Wales encounters.
Dissecting the Springboks’ Bench Tactics
Campese commends the Springboks’ effective use of their bench, which he believes has added a new dimension to the game. He dismisses the “noise” surrounding the perceived unfairness of South Africa’s forward-driven approach, asserting that any team with such forward resources would employ similar tactics. Campese believes the criticism stems from “envy rather than anything else.”
Ireland’s Lack of Creativity
The former wing is disappointed with Ireland’s inability to adapt and play “heads up rugby” against the Springboks. He believes the absence of key players like Johnny Sexton and Jamison Gibson-Park has hindered Ireland’s game control and creativity, leading them to revert to a more structured, set-piece-focused approach.
Campese emphasizes the importance of Garry Ringrose in Ireland’s midfield, suggesting he is their “X-factor player” who can unlock the Springboks’ rush defense.
England’s Consistency and Evolution
While known for his criticism of the English team, Campese is impressed with England’s consistency and the way Steve Borthwick is evolving their attack plan. He praises Marcus Smith’s brilliance with the ball in hand but is perplexed by his kicking game, suggesting Henry Slade should have taken over the kicking duties.
Campese believes England are moving their game forward intelligently and consistently, though he notes they may be lacking a top-class, pacy outside center.
Propping Concerns
Campese raises an eyebrow at the apparent issues with prop development, particularly tighthead props, in the northern hemisphere. He points to the struggles of England, Ireland, and Wales in the scrum battles, highlighting the dominance of the Springboks and All Blacks in this area.
The Wallabies’ Way Forward
Campese sees positive signs in the Australian backline, praising the performances of players like Tom Wright and Andrew Kellaway. He urges the Wallabies selectors to maintain faith in the current backline, allowing the players to develop their cohesion and decision-making under pressure.
The rugby union great emphasizes the importance of the “Wallaby way” – teamwork, support, and decision-based rugby – which underpinned the success of the great Wallabies sides he was a part of. He believes this identity is the key to the Wallabies’ resurgence.
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