AUSTRALIA COACH Robbie Deans has responded to stinging criticism from former Wallabies winger David Campese.
In the wake of the Wallabies’ embarrassing 33-6 loss to France at the Stade de France, Campese labelled Deans the ‘worst thing that has ever happened to Australian rugby’.
But the under-fire coach has moved to quash tension ahead of Australia’s Test with England at Twickenham on Saturday, saying the criticism of the team’s performance was ‘fair’ as pressure mounts. Deans was unmoved by Campese’s condemning words and hope his side could right the wrongs of the French loss against England.
“People are entitled to their opinion,” Deans said of Campese. ”As we’ve said many times before, it’s part of the territory. Most importantly that was a performance (against France) we weren’t proud of and we want to address it and that’s where all our time and energies are going.
“It’s great that David’s passionate about the game still and particularly the Wallaby jersey. But I really don’t want to comment any further.”
Asked about how he was dealing with the pressure on his own job, Deans was quick to deflect the focus onto the team.
“Every week there’s pressure. That’s what living in this arena is,” he said. ”As I’ve said many times before, it’s not about me; it’s about the team and helping them do what they do. That’s where we’re putting all our time and energy.”
The Wallabies will go into the England clash as rank outsiders, despite their higher place in the world rankings, with Dean making four changes as well as retaining Kurtley Beale at fly-half. Beale has started just four matches in the half-back position for the Wallabies, but Deans is pleased with the regular full-back’s transition into the new role.
