Wallabies Legend David Campese Believes Fiji Can Win

Wallaby great and father of goose step David Campese thinks that the Flying Fijians can and will win against England in the third 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final on Monday morning (Fiji time) at Stade de Marseille, France. 

“Can Fiji do it? I think they can and will,” Campese told Planet Rugby. 

“England are not big scorers and Fiji have the firepower to take the game away from them. 

“I see this as an eight-point win for the Islanders (Flying Fijians) in the upset of the tournament ending the journey of (Steve) Borthwick’s men.” 

Fondly known as Campo, Campese represented Australia from 1982 to 1996 in both sevens and 15s. He was capped by the Wallabies 101 times; played 85 Tests at wing and 16 at fullback. Campese starred for Australia when they won the 1991 Rugby World Cup, where he was named Player of the Tournament. 

He retired in 1996 and was awarded the Order of Australia in 2002 for his contribution to Australian rugby. 

He played against Fiji in the 1985 two test-series against where Australia won 52-28 in the first test and 31–9 in the second test. 

Looking at the runners and riders of the quarterfinals, Campese said this is one of the most competitive World Cups with the standard of rugby exceptional. 

“Even the emerging nations have been spectacular and all of them have matched the big boys in the set-piece and in contact, but the difference between the rest and the best is the ability to finish in the red zone and that’s why we’ve not seen as many upsets as we first thought,” he said. 

In the first quarter-final between Wales and Argentina, Campese said: “I can’t see Argentina having enough to do it if I’m honest, so I expect Wales to take this by 15 or so to make the semis, a massive achievement given where they were three months ago.” 

Second quarters feature Ireland and New Zealand with Campo predicting it a close game. 

“The All Blacks are in familiar territory and will be comfortable in knock out stages, whereas Ireland have traditionally struggled to get past this stage. I don’t care how well they’ve played, things like that play on your mind. It’ll be as close as the France/South Africa game, but I do think the Irish have enough, but only by a score in a relatively high scoring quarter final. 

“Looking at the France v South Africa game, I cannot remember a bigger head-to-head at this stage of the tournament. Two absolutely incredible sides who will go, toe-to-toe all day long. It’s ridiculously hard to call – but I reckon the Boks’ big match exposure will see them home. 

Simple Message 

“My message to Fiji is simple – start being Fiji again. Remember your rugby DNA and play with the freedom your talents need. 

“Sure, the Fijians have become a lot better in structure, but at times I feel they’ve held back too much when the opposition would be far more threatened by Fiji running the ball around the park. 

“They have amazing athletes and England don’t score as many points as others, relying upon a good defence and set piece to keep the board moving forward, so Fiji need to let rip, start hot and run hard.” 

The match kicks-off at 3am Monday (Fiji time). 

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Story By: Karalaini Waqanidrola 

Feedback: karalaini.waqanidrola@fijisun.com.fj