(Part 4) 1991.
|
There can be little doubt that 1991 was the highpoint of David Campese's career. Now demonstrating a more mature attitude, Campo had learned how to cut out the indiscipline from his game and to optimise his individual flair within the context of the team's objectives. The results were spectacular - David scored nine tries in tests and was the inspiration behind Australia's victory in the World Cup. He began the campaign in fine style with two tries against Argentina and then added another in the final pool game against Wales. He weighed in with two more against Ireland at Lansdowne Road, though it was left to Michael Lynagh's last ditch effort to seal the closest of victories. However, the semi-final against New Zealand was arguably David's best ever performance at international level. He scored Australia's first try himself, a gem, and then sent Tim Horan over for the winner using an instinctive flicked pass. Australia's opponents in the final were England, and it was here that a famous piece of Campo mythology arose. In the lead up to the final Campo goaded and taunted the English with such comments as "I wouldn't play for England if you paid me." Campo later claimed that this verbal intimidation had caused the home side to change their tactics at the last minute in favour of a more Australian style running game. The England players had in fact vowed to adopt such tactics after the two sides had met in the summer, though it has to be said that the execution of the style in the final was less than polished. Nevertheless, Australia had to withstand blanket English pressure for much of the game, and it was only David's interception that prevented a probable try for Rory Underwood. The final score was 12-6 and Australia were the deserving recipients of the William Webb Ellis trophy. (Jon Collins)
|
David Campese pictured in Dublin on 1st. October 1992. Photo G. Herringshaw. ©
(Part 5) 1992 -1993.
| What mountain is there left to climb for a team who have become world champions? This was a question asked of the 1992 Wallabies and the answer was not hard to find: beat South Africa. The long awaited contest between the two countries was given added spice after mutterings from the high veld that Australia's triumph at Twickenham had been hollow due to the absence of the Springboks. The issue was put to rest in emphatic style - Australia won the Cape Town clash 26-3 and David Campese played a full part, scoring his fiftieth try in tests. Earlier in the season he had also shown superb form in the Bledisloe Cup which Australia won 2-1 and the two test mini series against Scotland. The year ended with a successful UK tour including victories over Ireland (the picture above was taken during the Irish game) and Wales. In typical style, David used the media to wind up the opposition before the Lansdowne Road showpiece, implying that Ireland's fine performance against Australia in the 1991 World Cup had been a fluke. Irish pride was stung, but they could hardly argue with the final score of 42-17 or the try that Campese scored. After that season to end all seasons, the Wallabies did not find life as easy in 1993. The All Blacks were hungry for revenge, and prior to the one off Bledisloe clash in Dunedin, giant winger Vai'iga Tuigimala sent David a photograph of himself performing the haka with a covering letter: "To my friend Campo. This is the top half. You'll see the rest on Sunday." New Zealand won the game 25-10, and Vai'iga was true to his word with a blockbusting performance. Years later Campo reflected that it was always his luck to have to mark New Zealand's latest wing talent! After that disappointment Australia beat the South Africans in a tightly fought series before drawing 1-1 with France later in the year. (Jon Collins) |
David Campese pictured on 1st. December 1996. Photo Stuart Franklin. © G.H.
(Part 6) 1994 -1996.
|
For Australia, the 1994 season was only ever about preparing for the following year's World Cup. David scored three tries in tests that year but future stars such as Daniel Herbert and Matt Burke attracted most of the attention. Come the World Cup itself, Australia appeared to be in optimistic mood and were established as joint favourites. Though regarded as one of the elder statesmen of the side, Campo was expected to repeat his form of 1991 and be one of the stars of the tournament. However, despite scoring three tries against Argentina in the build up, David did not perform at his best on the big stage. He failed to score in any of Australia's matches and showed occasional glimpses of his old indiscipline, notably with an error against South Africa which led to Pieter Hendriks's try. Australia's tournament was eventually ended in the quarter-finals by England when Rob Andrew kicked a drop goal in injury time. On the way back from the stadium, Campo then had the misfortune to have to travel in the same bus as the English players' wives and girlfriends. Bearing in mind all his previous comments about England, David can have had no complaint about the ribbing he was given during the drive! By 1996 Campo was 33 years old and noticeably slower and heavier than in his peak. He was no longer an automatic choice for the side and scored just one try in a game against Canada. It was his 64th and final touch down, a world record. In the autumn he toured Europe for the last time and it was appropriate that his 100th cap should come against Italy, his ancestral home and a country where he had played and coached in the off season. The last hurrah came against Wales in Cardiff shortly afterward (the picture above was taken during the national anthem prior to the game), a game which Australia won 28-19. (Jon Collins)
|