'They think it's about them': Referees get slammed...again

SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies legend David Campese says the current state of Rugby Union is "a joke".

Campese, who played 101 Tests for Australia and scored 64 tries, believes the rules and officiating are ruining the game.

His comments have come during a hotly contested Rugby Championship. New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Argentina are all sitting with a record of two wins and two defeats so far.

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"It's a farce," Campese told Daily Mail Australia. "The referees think they are the most important person on the field.

"They think it's about them, but it's not. It's about the game. It's about the players and the supporters.

"People don't pay their money to watch a referee blow his whistle. They go to watch a game of football. They want to see tries, not penalty goals.

"It's sad. The way things are now, it's a joke."

Campese believes it has become increasingly difficult to find the positives in the modern game.

"I know I talk about the good old days but it's hard not to. I'm an old fart, I admit that but I've always been outspoken, and I can't say things are good if they are not.

"The TMO [Television Match Official] and referees are ruining the game."

Campese has always been an outspoken character, but he believes his views are not taken seriously in his own country.

"I would love to be asked to help fix the game, but no one wants to listen," said Campese.

"It's hard to take. I'm respected wherever I go around the world but not in my home country.

"My poor wife. She says to me, ‘Why do you do it to yourself? Why don't you walk away?’ I tell her I can't. I love rugby. It's all I know."

Source: The Daily Mail Australia