England replacement Danny Hipkiss in action during the first semi-final in the 2007 Rugby World Cup. Photo / Reuters
SYDNEY - Australia's chief Pom-baiter David Campese has admitted grudging admiration for England's 'guts' in reaching the Rugby World Cup final against South Africa - although he still hates the way they play.
The former Wallaby great, a World Cup winner in 1991, said he would support South
Africa in Saturday's tournament decider because he valued running rugby but England acknowledged England's fighting qualities.
"After all these years of Pom-bashing and gritting my teeth over their on-field strategies, there is a quality in this England side that has won my genuine admiration," Campese wrote in Sydney's Daily Telegraph.
"This team has guts. They have the mental toughness the Wallabies, the All Blacks and the French were unable to find as they limped out of the tournament in dismal sudden-death losses.
"England have refused to lie down when almost everyone, even a few within their own ranks, gave up on them a month ago when the Springboks pounded them 36-0.
"If only the Wallabies had that same gritty determination."
But Campese had no praise for England's forward-orientated playing style, labelling it "boring, boring, boring".
"I hate the way they play. There is no adventure, no flair, and how tragic for the game if their water torture-style drip feeds them a second World Cup.
"A team that needs a compass to find the tryline should never be crowned the best in the world."
The ex-winger refused to write off England's chances against the Springboks, saying the South Africans could be rolled if they lost their cool in the face of an onslaught from the England pack.
"Unless the Springboks stay composed, they will suffer the same fate as the other failed big guns," he said.
- AFP
