Rugby: Deans finds Campo criticism fair

The Wallabies aren't happy with their recent performance either, coach Robbie Deans. Photo / AP

Robbie Deans says he'd gladly have David Campese hand out Wallabies jerseys before a match again despite the champion winger declaring the coach should be sacked for "destroying Australian rugby".

Campese launched a scathing attack on Deans this week, telling the UK Telegraph the New Zealander was the "worst thing to happen to Australian rugby".

Deans is under enormous pressure going into tomorrow's test with England at Twickenham following last weekend's 33-6 loss to France.

The Wallabies have failed to score a try in their past two tests and scored just 12 in as many tests this season.

Deans said the general criticism of the team was fair enough under the circumstances.

"We're not happy with our performance either, so it's understandable," Deans said. "People are entitled to their opinion. It's part of the territory.

"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."

Campese earlier teed off on Deans.

"Deans has destroyed Australian rugby and I want him to go," said Campese, who scored 64 tries in 101 tests."We've got a team at the moment that can't catch and can't pass.

"Wallaby teams in the past were never like this. Anyone who knows anything about Australian rugby knows what it's famous for - loops, angles, switches, counter-attack, creative play. Where's all that gone? We can't even pass properly.

"I just want him to go. He's the worst thing that has ever happened to Australian rugby."

A classic Wallaby will hand out the jerseys to the team tomorrow.

"I got Campo to do it in 2008 in Durban. And I would love to have him back," Deans said.

- AAP