David Campese

Biography

David Campese was rugby's greatest entertainer, a winger who played the game as if it were an art form and he was its only true artist. The goose-step — that maddening stutter in stride that left defenders grabbing air — became rugby's most famous piece of individual skill. His 64 tries in 101 Tests held the world record for years, each one seemingly scored with a flair that suggested he found the conventional boring. He won the 1991 World Cup with Australia, was named Player of the Tournament, and created the try that sealed the semi-final against New Zealand with an audacious no-look pass. Campo could infuriate teammates and coaches with his risk-taking, and his mouth was as dangerous as his feet — he never met an opinion he didn't share. But when the ball was in his hands, he was magic. Pure, unpredictable, unforgettable magic.

Career Highlights

• 101 Tests for Australia
• 64 Test tries (was world record)
• 1991 World Cup winner and Player of the Tournament
• The Goose-Step — rugby's most famous individual skill
• Revolutionised attacking rugby from the wing

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