George Gregan enters test rugby 101

By WYNNE GRAY

They were team-mates, business partners and tomorrow will share the Wallaby record for most test caps.

When George Gregan leads his side into Tri-Nations action tomorrow night against the All Blacks, he will equal the 101-appearance mark set by David Campese in 1996.

Although they will share accolades for their longevity, neither has earned unstinting warmth from the Australian public nor have they been the most comfortable associates.

Both have suffered widespread criticism from Wallaby coaches, the public and those who make their living from commentating on the game. They have not been embraced like John Eales, Nick Farr-Jones, Simon Poidevin or Tim Horan.

That will not worry Gregan who, as time has marched on, has cultivated a more detached manner and been content to bury himself within the confines of the side.

By contrast Campese sought the limelight and regularly drew himself into the spotlight with outrageous comments. It was no surprise that former coach Bob Dwyer reckoned the winger had a loose wire somewhere between his brain and his mouth.

As inventive, daring and skilled as Campese was, he also had brain explosions on the field like that in-goal pass which cost the Wallabies a test in 1989.

Gregan was not safe from Dwyer's scathing tongue either, and in 2002 heard the former national rugby coach label him as "arrogant". Critics had rounded on the halfback in recent seasons until the 2003 World Cup semifinal win against the All Blacks.

Several times, Gregan has been axed, but his resilience has been remarkable.

There were many who felt his continued selection denied the Wallaby backline much better service from Chris Whitaker.

But current coach Eddie Jones would not be deterred.

Of course it was that tackle on Jeff Wilson in 1994 to deny the All Blacks Bledisloe Cup glory which catapulted Gregan to fame.

Anyone there that night will never forget. As Wilson snaked towards the tryline to erase the Wallabies' 20-16 lead, Gregan, in just his fourth test, hit him in the ribs and jolted the ball clear.

There have been many momentous moments since, as there were for Campese in a career which stretched from 1982-96.

At one stage Campese's company managed the Wallaby halfback, but that association fizzled out.

When you talk to Campese about Gregan matching his test record mark there is an undercurrent of damning the man with faint praise. But Campese has been a tormented soul for some time, someone who feels he has not been accorded the proper recognition for his deeds.

And it was Campese who had a number of public snipes at Gregan during last year's Rugby World Cup.

"After the game against Ireland I thought Eddie Jones should look elsewhere for a halfback," Campese said yesterday.

"But George does what the coaches want him to do, he is a general, unlike Farr-Jones who took the ball forward. I remember when George was fearless and took people on but he doesn't now.

"I thought George peaked a couple of years ago but it is hard being captain of your country and again, it depends on what the coaches want him out there for.

"The money is good, he is enjoying his rugby and is fit, so good luck to him."

Campese is concerned about the selection perseverance with both Gregan and Stephen Larkham. He questioned whether Australia would be able to fill the void when they retired.

But before he played his 100th test last week against the Springboks, Gregan implied he might consider readjusting his sporting career to take in the 2007 World Cup.

There was almost an audible splutter from Campese as he considered that concept.

"Oh look, that's up to George. In three years' time the game will be very different again," Campese said, as he then excused himself from the conversation.