English style 'bad for game' - Campese

Former Australia Test star David Campese has condemned Clive Woodward's England side by claiming their style of play is "very…

Former Australia Test star David Campese has condemned Clive Woodward's England side by claiming their style of play is "very bad for the game".

With England due to take on the Wallabies in Melbourne on Saturday, Campese claims they have become the number one side in the world on the back of negative play which "sends people away in droves" - despite their 15-13 victory over New Zealand last weekend.

"It's clear that English rugby hasn't moved on a jot over the past 10 years," he told the BBC. "The game against New Zealand showed all the strengths and all the weakness of the English game.

"How close did they get to scoring a try? Not once did they look likely to. They are completely reliant on the boot of Jonny Wilkinson - even when they get into the opposition 22," he said.

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"There was a time when rugby was exciting? Remember that? I know it's a professional sport, but England are happy to win no matter what. I'm not sure they know what scoring a try is any more. And it's very bad for the game.

"The reason why a try is worth five points was because the International Rugby Board were hoping that teams would score them. That's not the case with England. And it's a real worry," the former Wallaby said.

"Rugby needs to entice people in. Here in Australia it has to compete with league and Aussie rules, and the way England play just sends people away in droves".