David Campese said Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt had ‘no idea’. What does he think now?

Wallabies great David Campese says he is “eating humble pie” after declaring coach Joe Schmidt had “no idea” on the eve of Australia’s historic victory over South Africa.

Campese also revealed he planned to quit social media after he and his family were subjected to a torrent of abuse following the Wallabies’ 38-22 triumph at Ellis Park, which snapped a 62-year losing streak at the venue.

In the lead-up to Australia’s Rugby Championship opener in Johannesburg, the outspoken former winger took a shot at Schmidt over his Wallabies selections, which included installing James O’Connor at No.10 after Tom Lynagh, who started in all three Lions Tests, was ruled out with concussion.

“I can see why Joe Schmidt has never won a RWC [Rugby World Cup]. He has no idea about rugby. Clueless. This shows us why,” Campese wrote on X to his 23,000 followers.

“Very happy for James, who should have been on the bench for the Lions. Ben [Donaldson] at 10. Under [incoming Wallabies coach Les] Kiss, it is not going to look any better.”

Campese said he was not criticising the selection of O’Connor for the Springboks Test because he believed the 35-year-old should have been involved in the Lions series off the bench.

With O’Connor playing his first Test in three years, Australia trailed 22-0 before pulling off a famous win at altitude.

Former Wallaby Peter FitzSimons wrote on Sunday: “Rugby Australia ought to put David Campese on retainer and get him to do what he now does best: bag the Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt and say our blokes can’t win – only for them to EXPLODE in most magnificent fashion.”

Contacted on Monday morning, Campese told this masthead: “I am eating humble pie. It’s great the Wallabies won, and it’s great to see a bit of Australian backline flair come into the game.”

Since the result, Campese has been bombarded with a flurry of messages from Wallabies fans after one of Australia’s greatest wins.

“Don’t expect any comments from me from now on,” Campese said. “I’m very passionate about the game. I say what I say - and I always have - but I think enough is enough. I’m sick of being abused by people.

“I’ve just decided to give everything rugby away from now on.”

Campese said he was not surprised that O’Connor helped steer the Wallabies to victory.

“I did a radio report in South Africa and said I thought it was going to be a close game, 27-21 to South Africa,” Campese said. “If they lose or we win, I cop it.

“I wasn’t saying it [the selection of O’Connor] was wrong. I was just saying you’ve got a guy who has been around for 15 years and knows what he’s doing. The performance, having not played a Test in three years, showed he’s still got it. He didn’t shy away. He took it to them.

“The South Africans hadn’t seen a back play like that for a long time. They’re all used to the same catch-pass and move on.

“He was the first Aussie in 10 years to win a Super title [with the Crusaders this year]. For me, Tate McDermott and Ben Donaldson are the best 9-10 in Australia. Then you’ve got James coming on with 20 or 30 to go.

“If I had lost as a player, I would never say what I’ve been saying. But we used to win, mate.”

Asked if the result had changed his mind about Schmidt, Campese said: “Not really. It was only a selection difference. I won’t say any more. I’ll get myself in trouble.”