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David Campese thinks Quade Cooper is shit

David Campese, a legend of the Wallabies, has expressed criticism regarding Quade Cooper’s risky style of play and his performance under pressure as Australia’s Rugby World Cup 2011 journey hangs in the balance.

According to Campese, the 15-6 defeat against Ireland last Saturday was due to a lack of leadership and teamwork, with the dynamic Cooper central to his concerns.

“They assumed it would be easier than it turned out to be. Quade Cooper, I have my doubts. I can’t fathom his actions – every time he received the ball, the crowd booed him. Those flick passes may work for Sonny Bill Williams, but they’re not effective for everyone,” Campese stated on New Zealand’s Radio Sport.

“In moments of pressure, you need players who know how to control the game and act intelligently. These players lacked smartness entirely.”

Campese feels that the unpredictable Cooper must revert to fundamental skills in order to realign the Wallabies.

“People need to understand that I played as a winger, which meant I was the final man in line trying new things,” he remarked.

“He’s a playmaker, thus he’s always receiving the ball. I don’t believe he fully grasps his position at times; he tends to think he can accomplish everything and needs to recognize that a No.10 is typically the key man in the team.”

“When facing pressure, the right approach is to gather the ball and kick it down the sideline like Dan Carter does. While watching the recent game, I observed Cooper receiving the ball and attempting to take everything on himself. It’s not possible to secure a World Cup victory playing as individuals; teamwork is vital. Unfortunately, the Wallabies did not display teamwork on Saturday.”

Campese also pointed out the deficiency of leadership within Robbie Deans’s team, and did not hesitate to hold the coach accountable.

He dismissed the notion that the Wallabies should adjust their game plan to cope with the tough conditions in New Zealand.

“With a Kiwi coach like Robbie Deans, he should be familiar with the local weather.”

“He ought to comprehend the conditions and the style of play required. This was his 50th game for Australia, so it won’t be a day to remember for him.”

“It seems the players are either not paying attention, or he isn’t providing them with the appropriate guidance.”

Deans now faces a daunting win-loss record of 28 wins, 21 losses, and one draw, with setbacks against Samoa, Scotland, and Ireland.

“The unfortunate reality for the Wallabies is that he is our coach until 2013,” Campese observed.

“John O’Neill, in his wisdom, extended his contract, so what will happen if we exit in the quarter-finals? We’ll be stuck with him for another couple of years.”

by Buford Balony

 

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