|
As
the Springbok coach you've got to expect to take some flak.
Maybe Harry just wasn't enough of a rugby person and he took
some of the media comments too personally. Nick
Mallett |
Vol2
Week 1 |
|
I
had discussions with London Irish when Harry Viljoen was still
the coach and it seemed that despite my best efforts I would
not get picked for the Springboks. My first priority at this
stage is getting back on the field and I'd certainly never
jeopardise the chance to play for my country if I knew I had
one. Johan Erasmus |
Vol2 Week 1 |
|
I
suppose once upon a time a Test match was something you looked
forward to go and watch. It's very hard to get the quality
these days because the focus is more on quantity.
David Campese |
Vol2 Week 1 |
|
The
Olympics are every four years and I think every athlete who
competes in the Olympics wants the gold medal, and I think
that's what the World Cup is for a rugby player - it's the
gold medal. George
Gregan |
Vol2 Week 1 |
|
Mind
you, I would not want the pressure of being number one in the
world just two years before a World Cup. There is only one way
to go and it is not up. David
Campese on England's ranking |
Vol2 Week 2 |
|
I
would like to thank the press from the heart of my bottom!
Nick Faldo |
Vol2 Week 2 |
|
Rugby
people. Can't live with them. Can't shoot them. Mainly can't
live with them. Can't afford to live with them. Haven't the
bloodlines to live with them. Haven't the patience to live
with them. Haven't the language skills to live with them.
Haven't the desire even. Rugby people have always been college
scarves and jutting jaws and silly songs I don't know the
words of. C-A-N-N-O-T live with them.
Tom Humphries |
Vol2 Week 2 |
|
Things
don't happen if you leave them alone...
Sam McLean |
Vol2 Week 2 |
|
There
have been many reasons for this situation, some unavoidable,
but as chief executive and coach I have to take full
responsibility. It has recently become apparent to me that the
team needs a fresh face and a new voice to take it forward.
Francois Pienaar |
Vol2 Week 3 |
|
I
never thought about losing, but now that it's happened, the
only thing is to do it right....We all have to take defeats in
life. Muhammad Ali |
Vol2 Week 3 |
|
It
was not that Ireland were poor, this was an outstanding
performance by any measure. They could have scored another 3-4
tries quite easily had all the chances they created been
taken... Michael Lynagh |
Vol2 Week 3 |
|
When
he moved away and I saw the blood streaming from the eye, I
thought 'Oh God, I could be in trouble here.
Martin Johnson |
Vol2 Week 3 |
|
Physically
I am no longer up to Springbok rugby.
Andre Vos |
Vol2 Week 4 |
|
They
are so used to this sort of thing happening I should think
they train with 13 men. Murray
Mexted on the Hurricanes |
Vol2 Week 4 |
|
The
Naas Botha Rose 'grows into a neat compact bush covered with
healthy leaves and soft pink buds with a silvery reverse'. |
Vol2 Week 4 |
|
It's
hard to read the writing on the wall when your back is against
it. Phil
Pretorius |
Vol2 Week 4 |
|
“If
rugby players focus on the game as much as they do on getting
their golf handicap down, all the teams would be doing much
better.” Uli
Schmidt |
Vol2 Week 5 |
|
"I
pick first my best team, and my captain from that team and I
only pick players that are on form."
Rudolph Straeuli |
Vol2 Week 5 |
|
Then
it was Bruce Reihana, stepping through the Crusaders defence
like a ballet dancer on Viagra. Mike
Amm |
Vol2 Week 5 |
|
"These
England forwards put the fear of God into me. You see it in
their eyes when you walk across for training. They are hungry,
they know how much pressure they're under. They want to
perform. It's tough and hard out there."
Henry Paul, before the match against
France. |
Vol2 Week 5 |
|
"I
want to play rugby because I want to enjoy it. I don't want to
be part of someone's plans only when things backfire"
Ettienne Botha on not being selected for
the Bulls. |
Vol2 Week 5 |
|
"When
these guys tackle you they assault you."
Frans Ludeke |
Vol2 Week 6 |
|
"If
the bloke was not showing promise we wouldn't take the
punt." Bob
Dwyer on Mat Rogers before the competition. |
Vol2 Week 6 |
|
I
look at Colin Meads and see a great big sheep farmer who
carried the ball in his hands as though it was an orange pip.
Bill McLaren |
Vol2 Week 6 |
|
When
overseas teams tour South Africa we treat them like gods. We
seem afraid of upsetting them. But they feel nothing for us
when we go overseas. Rudolf
Straeuli |
Vol2 Week 6 |
|
What
has happened to the South African sides? It was suggested to
me by someone who knows the South African rugby situation well
that many of the front-line players have accepted contracts to
play in Europe and that other Test players find the Super12 so
tough they go on the "injured" list until the end of
the tournament. Spiro Zavos, Sydney
Morning Herald |
Vol2 Week 7 |
|
Our
greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising each and
every time we fail.
Confucious |
Vol2 Week 7 |
|
Sport
is about fielding your best team but long-term gain may be
greater than short-term pain for South Africa. John
Connolly |
Vol2 Week 7 |
|
I
think I've always had the shots. But in the past, I've
suffered too many mental lapses. Now, I'm starting to get away
from that and my mental discipline and commitment to the game
are much better. I think I'm really taking a good luck at the
big picture. That's the difference between being around for
the final or watching the final from my sofa at home.
Andre Agassi |
Vol2 Week 7 |
|
South
African players are spoilt, unprofessional and not mentally
and physically tough enough for Super 12 rugby.
Balie Swart |
Vol2 Week 8 |
|
How
can we begin to look at the answers if we don't understand the
questions? Unknown |
Vol2 Week 8 |
|
Some
decisions made have been purely for political reasons.
"I'll support you if you support me" has been the
bane of South African rugby. Nick
Mallett |
Vol2 Week 8 |
|
On
South Africa's quota system - There can't be a revolution
without bloodshed. Bob
Dwyer |
Vol2 Week 8 |
|
There
has been an extremely high turnover of coaches at Springbok
level. Some changes may have been made too hastily and others
were clearly necessary. Looking ahead, however, we must seek
to establish consistency, exercise patience, encourage
excellence and provide support.
Silas Nkanunu |
Vol2 Week 8 |
|
SARFU
must conduct a brutal assessment of the game in South Africa
and then develop a strategic plan - which includes player
skills - to reach all levels of the game, just as the ARU did
in the 1970s when we finally tired of getting belted by the
All Blacks.
Mark Ella |
Vol2 Week 9 |
|
On
the siren that signals half and full time - Hooters in New
Zealand Tony? Hooters are what you see on the sidelines!
Murray Mexted |
Vol2 Week 9 |
|
In
New Zealand, rugby is a game for the people, in Australia it's
a corporate game. Matt
Rogers |
Vol2 Week 9 |
|
It's
not so much the money, the notoriety or the fame. I really
love playing and to be honest I felt a bit stale in New
Zealand. I wasn't enjoying it as much. But I still have this
wicked passion for grovelling for the ball on the floor and
maybe getting the occasional run. Josh
Kronfeld |
Vol2 Week 9 |
|
I
can understand people's wishes for Bok rugby in this country,
but the game doesn't belong to you or me, it belongs to the
people. Rudolf
Straeuli |
Vol2 Week 10 |
|
I
suppose you can say I am a bit old school. I expect the
players to go onto the field expecting to play a full game.
Kevin Putt |
Vol2 Week 10 |
|
I
have been a huge admirer of South African rugby and its great
teams and players, but I have never seen them so devoid of
attacking ambition. Lawrence
Dallaglio |
Vol2 Week 10 |
|
Don't
ask me about emotions in the Welsh dressing room. I'm someone
who cries when he watches 'Little House on the Prairie'.
Bob Norster |
Vol2 Week 10 |
|
Our
success comes from stability. Bernard
Laporte |
Vol2 Week 11 |
|
When
he was a player Kevin was always influential and now that he
is officially the boss he has stamped his authority.
Ollie Le Roux |
Vol2 Week 11 |
|
Referees
are only human, I think. Phil
Kearns |
Vol2 Week 11 |
|
Against
Ireland, the English midfield were playing in an aircraft
hanger of space. Against France, it was as if they were
confined to a space the size of a Cessna cockpit.
Stephen Jones |
Vol2 Week 11 |
|
After
a brain scan - It went well. There are no problems, and, as a
bonus, it showed that I have a brain! Corne
Krige |
Vol2 Week 12 |
|
On
SA rugby administrators - It's like turkeys voting for
Christmas. Alan Solomons |
Vol2 Week 12 |
|
A
member of SARFU's (South African Rugby Football Union)
executive management asked me to make myself available as Bok
coach again. I thought about it for a millisecond and said no.
There are too many things in our rugby that counts against a
coach. Nick
Mallett |
Vol2 Week 12 |
|
The
game, it seems, have fallen into the hands of MBA cowboys and
is not the terrain of former players and patriotic rugby
people anymore - those that still sit up straight when a green
jersey is talked about. Ferdi
Greyling |
Vol2 Week 12 |
|
After
awarding a try in the very first test match, Scotland vs.
England in 1871 - When a referee is in doubt, I think he is
justified in deciding against the side that makes the most
noise. A.H.
Almond |
Vol2 Week 13 |
|
I
feel two teams are like two chemicals and the referee is the
catalyst. If you get a good reaction, you get a good product.
Neil Midgeley |
Vol2 Week 13 |
|
Refereeing
is a balance between tolerance and neo-fascism - I tend to
lean towards the latter.
David Elleray |
Vol2 Week 13 |
|
Players
and spectators at all levels can enjoy sport better if they
totally accept two simple rules:Rule 1: The referee is
always right. Rule 2: In the event of the referee being
obviously wrong, Rule 1 applies. |
Vol2 Week 13 |
|
Rule
2: In the event of the referee being obviously wrong,
Rule 1 applies. Peter Corrigan |
Vol2 Week 13 |
|
When
you live in England you do not pay for things in rands, you
pay for everything in pounds. Songezo
Nayo (SARFU spokesperson) |
Vol2 Week 14 |
|
There
is frequent changing of coaches at national level. Nothing
seems to change. Robbie
Kempson |
Vol2 Week 14 |
|
If
the making of bags of money is the sole driver of decision
makers at international level then I, for one, feel
disillusioned. Nick
Farr-Jones |
Vol2 Week 14 |
|
After
being tackled by a schoolboy spectator in a match against the
Chiefs - Ah, it’s all right mate – he got a good hit on
me. George
Gregan |
Vol2 Week 14 |
|
If
only the Crusaders had declared at halftime.
Peter Jenkins |
Vol2 Week 15 |
|
I
am embarrassed for the Waratahs, they must be ashamed of
themselves. This is the blackest day in NSW rugby history.
John Connolly |
Vol2 Week 15 |
|
It
was as if they were playing with 20 men out there.
Matt Rogers |
Vol2 Week 15 |
|
There
was just nothing there, no fire. There was no real intensity
or effort from them. So we kept hammering away and the tries
kept coming. Reuben
Thorne |
Vol2 Week 15 |
|
It
is always disappointing when a player is not prepared to stick
it out and fight for his place in a national team. Rudolf
Straeuli |
Vol2 Week 15 |
|
We
can never allow ourselves to get to a situation where players
see it as a right to play for the Springboks. Playing for your
country is something that is earned.
Rian Oberholzer |
Vol2 Week 15 |
|
I
thought Straeuli said he was going to pick players that are on
form. Skinstad is definitely not on form and that points to a
serious case of double-standards. Kobus
Wiese |
Vol2 Week 16 |
|
Asked
if he would think of coaching - Hennie Le
Roux said he preferred golf.
"I'd rather hit the ball than be the ball," |
Vol2 Week 16 |
|
To
tell the honest truth, I would've preferred a hooker with a
perfect throw, the fighting spirit of a fox terrier, who knows
the laws inside out, and decent enough to take my 16 year old
daughter (if I had one) out at night. Henri
Burger |
Vol2 Week 16 |
|
I'm
not going to have a gun held to my head and I'm not going to
communicate through agents. I'll speak to the players, their
chief executives and coaches. Rudolf
Straeuli |
Vol2 Week 16 |
|
Before
his team's record 96-19 defeat - We
really don't want to put on a below-par performance against
the Crusaders because they can wipe away opponents.
Bob Dwyer |
Vol2 Week 16 |
|
On
Rudolf Straeuli - He knows that is what it takes to be
successful in Test rugby. Ollie
Le Roux |
Vol2 Week 17 |
|
History
shows there is no correlation between Super 12 form and what
happens in the international program. Robbie
Deans |
Vol2 Week 17 |
|
The
two things you can't give anybody in this game are bravery
and enthusiasm. Unknown |
Vol2 Week 17 |
|
Explaining
the Irish links of Hika Reid, former London Irish coach -
His grandfather once went out with a Polish girl whose uncle
once saw Mike Gibson play. London
Irish RFC program note, 1993 |
Vol2 Week 17 |
|
The
All Blacks second-rowers are huge men. They're both over one
meter tall ... hang on, that would make them midgets.
Murray Mexted |
Vol2 Week 18 |
|
Rico
Gear. What a great-sounding name. He sounds like a drug dealer
from Brazil.
Murray Mexted |
Vol2 Week 18 |
|
The
medicine to be used to make South Africa a world power again
may taste bitter but will eventually bring about a healthy
structure.
Rian Oberholzer |
Vol2 Week 18 |
|
Don't
hit him in the honeymoons. Andre
Watson |
Vol2 Week 19 |
|
Both
referees are having bad games - Mr Turner's having a shocker
and George Gregan isn't doing much better. Darryl
Brohman |
Vol2 Week 19 |
|
Losing
to NSW is like masturbating, or losing a golf ball. You feel
really remorseful afterwards. But you know it will happen
again if you're not careful. Chris
"Buddha" Handy |
Vol2 Week 19 |
|
Nobody
doubts Victor (Matfield) as a line-out forward, even though
the line-outs were an abortion at the weekend, but you must
first gain control before you can start standing loose.
Kobus Wiese |
Vol2 Week 19 |
|
We
are going there as CANNON-FODDER and I fear that over the
course of two Tests, Wales will concede more than 100 points.
Barry John |
Vol2 Week 19 |
|
We
have been assured by everyone in South Africa that Percy is a
completely different person to Joost van der Westhuizen.
Keith Grainger, CEO of Newport |
Vol2 Week 20 |
|
South
Africa has nothing to fear. Respect yes, but fear no. After
all, New Zealand did not exactly cover themselves in roses
this morning. Steve
Hansen |
Vol2 Week 20 |
|
Isn't
it time Argentina joined the Tri-Nations? They're obviously a
great side but have been left out in the cold, unable to
participate in either of the two big tournaments, the
Tri-Nations and the Six Nations. Alastair
Adelaide |
Vol2 Week 20 |
|
The
tactical substitution and lineout play in the second half
shows Rudolf is not inflexible in his approach and it really
did turn the match and he can take great credit for that.
John McFarland |
Vol2 Week 20 |
|
Halftime
speech at the Six Nations match against Italy. "For those
who have turned up here just for the pay cheque, go now and
don't ever come back." Bernard
Laporte |
Vol2 Week 21 |
|
Why
are we insulted with second rate venues?
Federico Mendez |
Vol2
Week 21 |
|
He
has become very strong in his religion and I think that has
helped him a hell of a lot.
Justine Krige (wife of Springbok captain
Corne) |
Vol2
Week 21 |
|
In
my time we committed 40 percent of our expenditure to
development, but you soon realise that you can only spend so
much and then your expenditure gets taken up by officials.
Louis Luyt |
Vol2
Week 21 |
|
No-one
is really assured of their place now. It is a fantastic
situation for the coaches to find themselves in, although
maybe not the players. Ben
Kay |
Vol2
Week 21 |
|
It
just seems Wendell has been given a red-carpet ride to Test
selection. David
Campese |
Vol2
Week 22 |
|
In
the Ireland/All Blacks clash, "Seven Green...., Seven
Green........, Seven Green......what is it about Seven that
you don't understand?"
Tappe Henning |
Vol2
Week 22 |
|
After
a 25-minute barroom brawl in Brive, "It was not possible
for my players to turn the other cheek, as that was being
punched as well,"
Pontypridd manager Eddie Jones |
Vol2
Week 22 |
|
Nothing
is more important to the future of the professional game than
the health, welfare and security of our players and the
reconciliation of their best interests with the demands of a
professional contact sport. Vernon
Pugh |
Vol2
Week 24 |
|
It's
the last thing that even crosses my mind. I don't think about
colour in any form of selection. John
Mitchell |
Vol2
Week 24 |
|
There's
no question the Tri-Nations has taken some of the needle out
of the rivalry. So what if we get beaten today . . . we'll get
you next week. That seems to be the belief. Tours are the way
to go. Frank
Bunce |
Vol2
Week 24 |
|
"I'm
not so sure I would have wanted to play in this age,"
said Stanley. "Call me a traditionalist, but tours make
players what they are. Tours are about meeting guys, talking
and drinking. That doesn't happen any longer. The brotherhood
no longer exists." Joe
Stanley |
Vol2
Week 24 |
|
David
Campese was a magnificent player. There's no record of his
being a magnificent selector. John
O'Neill |
Vol2
Week 24 |
|
I
realise that representing state and country and being a
high-profile rugby union player means that the public do have
a little bit of insight into you as a person, but when it
comes to medical issues, I think they've got no real right to
be concerned with that type of stuff.
Ben Tune |
Vol2
Week 24 |
|
He
(Ollie Le Roux) was born when meat was cheap!
Chris "Buddha" Handy |
Vol2
Week 25 |
|
To
be honest I got a bit of pleasure out of seen their feckin'
agony. Andy Haden was crying afterwards and I went up to him
and said: `we're used to this losing, Andy, you're not'. Sure
we could write a feckin' thesis on it. Moss
Keane after Munster beat the All Blacks in 1978 |
Vol2
Week 25 |
|
Mark
- if you can cleanly catch a ball kicked several hundred feet
in the air within your own 22 metre line and call 'mark' while
the entire other side is pounding towards you intent on doing
you damage, you can have a free kick. You deserve it.
Steve Boone |
Vol2
Week 25 |
|
What
exactly did Rudolf Straeuli tell his team during the break and
how many expletives did he use?"
TC Stofberg |
Vol2
Week 25 |
|
People
forget your good games, but the minute you have a bad game
everyone remembers. Faan
Rautenbach |
Vol2
Week 26 |
|
I'm
not sure if Australia deserved to win, we probably lost the
game more, but we were helped to lose it obviously. He (Andre
Watson) should be more ashamed than some of us should be.
Andrew Mehrtens |
Vol2
Week 26 |
|
I
can't be bothered pussyfooting around. You get sick of sitting
on the fence. Andrew
Mehrtens in defence of his statement. |
Vol2
Week 26 |
|
The
ruck is born of a desire to get the ball for the backs.
Colin Meads |
Vol2
Week 26 |
|
It
was about par for a rugby dinner... from what I can remember.
Colin Smart |
Vol2
Week 26 |
|
You
have to respect the opposition. Even if you win by 100 points
it's not their fault they're on the field. I still want to
drink with them afterwards. Barry
John |
Vol2
Week 26 |
|
Skinstad
has been seen as the Anna Kournikova of rugby: talented, nice
to look at, but never quite fulfiling the potential that so
obviously sits with him. Kevin
McCallum |
Vol2
Week 23 |
|
It
would be good for them to stick to the tactics of the game and
show a little less bias towards Australia. David
Campese on Australian commentators |
Vol2
Week 23 |
|
The
bottom line is that although losing to South Africa would
cause New Zealanders some pain, especially in a home match,
far greater pain would be felt losing to Australia and their
other big rivals, England. Lynn
McConnell |
Vol2
Week 23 |
|
We
are again playing for a team and for South Africa and it is no
longer about individuals. Willie
Meyer |
Vol2
Week 23 |
|
SA
Rugby and all of its supporters apologise to Mr McHugh for
this unfortunate incident, that kind of behaviour does not
belong at any rugby match. Rian
Oberholzer |
Vol2
Week 27 |
|
I
guarantee that he will never again attend a rugby match in
South Africa for the rest of his life.
Rian Oberholzer |
Vol2
Week 27 |
|
Referees
around the world think they are bigger than the game and
they're not. Fans like me is what rugby is about.
Pieter van Zyl |
Vol2
Week 27 |
|
The
whole of the stadium was mal (angry) with him (the referee).
It's just that I decided to do something about it. Pieter
van Zyl |
Vol2
Week 27 |
|
Although
I'm still seen as public enemy number one, I've been swamped
by people congratulating me for crash-tackling the referee.
Pieter van Zyl |
Vol2
Week 27 |
|
I
don't want money. I would rather donate it to a refereeing
body to train international referees. Pieter
van Zyl |
Vol2
Week 27 |
|
For
a New Zealand rugby man I don't think there's a greater
challenge than playing against the Springboks in South Africa.
John Mitchell |
Vol2
Week 27 |
|
The
match was close but we must not fall into the trap of being
happy with playing well and not winning. Rudolf
Straeuli |
Vol2
Week 27 |
|
One
of the old golfers (Bobby Locke maybe) once said, ''We drive
for show and putt for dough.'' Maybe the rugby equivalent
should be, ''We run for show and tackle for dough.''
Mike Amm |
Vol2
Week 27 |
|
Australian
rugby officials should have been in the dock. It was their
behaviour after they found out about Tune's treatment that has
only underlined the farce that is Australia's stance on drugs
in sport. Patrick
Smith |
Vol2
Week 27 |
|
Rugby
works in cycles. You need the right players coming through and
staying injury-free. Everything has to work together. I can
sense an energy in this Springbok team.
James Small |
Vol2
Week 27 |
|
I
am going to control the controllable and I am not going to let
the uncontrollable be a factor. Paddy
O' Brien |
Vol2
Week 28 |
|
We
needed this win desperately. As I said during the week, we had
had enough of could haves, would haves and should haves. We
just had to win. Corne
Krige |
Vol2
Week 28 |
|
I
never thought I'd even play for Western Province let alone the
Stormers or Springboks. The way I live my life, I don't
believe in long-term plans, I just do my best today and I
believe it will look after me for tomorrow. Werner
Greeff |
Vol2
Week 28 |
|
I`ve
never seen an orange with the label Castle on it made of
glass. George
Gregan |
Vol2
Week 28 |
|
Rugby
is a wonderful show: dance, opera and, suddenly, the blood of
a killing. Richard
Burton |
Vol2
Week 28 |
|
On
his father, Louis Schmidt - "he would give me good advice
when I went to him. I'd ask him, 'What must I do if someone
hits me on the field' and he told me, 'Make sure you hit him
first' - that one has got me in a lot of trouble."
Uli Schmidt |
Vol2
Week 28 |
|
I
like all the guys in the (Bok) team and I think they have
accepted me too. When they get to see that I care about them,
they realise that I'm not just this oke that f*cked up Tony
Watson in the Currie Cup final back then. Uli
Schmidt |
Vol2
Week 28 |
|
I
don't think I'm a cheat, but this has undoubtedly tarnished my
reputation and that is disappointing. I'd hope people would
evaluate me over my career and not just label me for one
incident. Neil
Back |
Vol2
Week 29 |
|
As
Jonah's manager I am saying he will have his wish, If he wants
to play, he will play. It will be a real spectacle and how
often do you get a chance to play in a match like this?
Phil Kingsley-Jones on Jonah Lomu's
involvement with the end of year North vs South match. |
Vol2
Week 29 |
|
My
hope is the public will realise if the idiocy continues they
may soon be sitting behind barbed wire and high fences.
Jonathan Kaplan |
Vol2
Week 29 |
|
With
defensive lines as tight as they are now, you cannot always
break them with brute force, you need speed and agility to
unlock them. Chris
Hickey |
Vol2
Week 29 |
|
I
wouldn't say South Africa are a dirty team but they are
physical and confrontational. Justin
Marshall |
Vol2
Week 29 |
|
It's
not about Bob Skinstad or Corné Krige, it's about the
Springboks. Corné Krige |
Vol2
Week 29 |
|
They
were the worst conditions I've ever experienced. When the
sleet started to fall, I looked at Kef [Toutai Kefu] and he
looked almost white. Chris
Latham on the Christchurch Bledisloe Cup match |
Vol2
Week 29 |
|
The
only trouble is my legs are not as strong as they were. I
can't run any more. George
Daneel, the oldest living Springbok (98). |
Vol2
Week 30 |
|
It
was a real old-fashioned game and there is no doubt that the
Bulls bullied us. You don't often see rugby played like that
nowadays and it was an important lesson.
Kevin Putt |
Vol2
Week 30 |
|
When
it comes to the issue of me retiring, don't believe any crap
you read in the papers until I actually make the decision
myself. Martin
Johnson |
Vol2
Week 30 |
|
That
it was hardest Currie Cup game I have handle in the last two
years. Andre
Watson on the Bulls sharks match. |
Vol2
Week 30 |
|
We
do have the respect of our opposition, but above all, we're
bringing the people of South Africa back to rugby. Rudolf
Straeuli |
Vol2
Week 30 |
|
Rugby
is a very social sport, and it conjures the image that when
the game is over, you roll the keg of beer onto the field and
go to drinking right away. Well, that's not a myth. That goes
on and has gone on for a very long time at a variety of
levels. It's part of the mystique of being involved in club
rugby. Frank
Graziano |
Vol2
Week 30 |
|
If
Andre Venter is seen as a packhorse doing all the hard graft,
then I guess I am a race-horse. Friedrich
Lombard |
Vol2
Week 31 |
|
Jonah
would never criticise his coach. He never criticises his
teammates. He never goes down on anybody. Phil
Kingsley Jones |
Vol2
Week 31 |
|
Jonah
suffers because of the athlete that he is and because of his
size and his ability. If he stands there people say, 'well,
he's not doing anything'. Of course he's not blo-ody doing
anything because we haven't given him the ball.
Phil Kingsley Jones |
Vol2
Week 31 |
|
On
the criteria for a sport (like rugby) being included in the
Olympics. Popularity,
universality, that it not cost too much, not hurt athletes`
health, and bring necessary diversity. Jacques
Rogge, IOC president |
Vol2
Week 31 |
|
The
match commissioner did his job as he saw fit. I would want to
tell him how he should do his job as little as I would want
him to tell me how I should coach. Kevin
Putt on Johann Wasserman's non-citing |
Vol2
Week 31 |
|
We
are not condoning the taking of any drugs. There was a trace
of ephedrine in his sample. We felt his was a genuine mistake
and supported him at the disciplinary hearing.
Neath coach Lyn Jones after Wales A
fly-half Lee Jarvis tested positive for a banned stimulant
last season |
Vol2
Week 31 |
|
I
don't think we have a drug problem in the game but there is a
street culture of drugs in Wales. Terry
Cobner, Welsh Rugby Union's director of rugby |
Vol2
Week 31 |
|
As
in soccer we do not want to see the day coming when some might
go into drugs, like Maradona, or throw their lives away when
confronted with the emptiness of retirement. We haven't seen
it yet in rugby, but it's coming as one of the pitfalls of
professionalism and we need to be prepared for it."
Corne Krige |
Vol2
Week 31 |
|
I've
always said I will play until I am 30 and that is the target.
I would rather retire myself than let someone else retire me.
Corne Krige |
Vol2
Week 31 |
|
My
beef with all this burnout buzz is that it is wholly
self-induced, brought on by mismanagement, law changes and a
surfeit of greed from players and administrators, for which
there are no remedies whatsoever. Paul
Ackford |
Vol2
Week 31 |
|
Get
rid of André Watson. Whom do you put in his place? Get rid of
Paddy O'Brien. Whom do you put in his place? Get rid of Stuart
Dickinson. Whom do you put in his place? Get rid of the whole
of the top 16 referees in the world. Whom do you replace them
with? Law
Discussion on www.planet-rugby.com |
Vol2
Week 32 |
|
There
is a lot of talk (about the referees) at the moment, which is
not necessarily bad. This will hopefully pick up the levels
for everyone, and maybe the intensity as well.
Gert Smal |
Vol2
Week 32 |
|
It
was an enjoyable year, but certainly if I was looking to gain
anything to bring back to the Brumbies from French rugby, I
couldn't really put my finger on much that would be
worthwhile. Joe
Roff |
Vol2
Week 32 |
|
There
is no bad blood between us. Such things do happen in the heat
of battle. André
Venter |
Vol2
Week 32 |
|
Captain
and coach must be seen to be banging the same drum.
Clive Woodward |
Vol2
Week 32 |
|
Referees
must stop the idle chatter, familiarity has no role to play on
the field. Rian
Oberholzer |
Vol2
Week 32 |
|
I
play every game to win, it is not in my nature to throw a
game. Heyneke
Meyer |
Vol2
Week 32 |
|
The
most important thing for me as a youngster is to get game time
to show what I can do as a rugby player. It's no use signing a
big contract but not getting to play. Clyde
Rathbone |
Vol2
Week 33 |
|
I
thought I knew what 'hard' was before I came here.
Russian national team coach James Stofberg |
Vol2
Week 33 |
|
In
the winter we have to train in a stable when they're not using
it to train and ride the horses.
Russian national team coach James Stofberg |
Vol2
Week 33 |
|
Geoff
Evans, IRB game development officer on new ball technology.
We are not Luddites. But to be able to kick goals from all
over the pitch might not be right for a sport in which tries
are the main aim |
Vol2
Week 33 |
|
I
like quick teams - not necessarily quick players but sides
that overall are fast. Ian
McGeechan |
Vol2
Week 33 |
|
If
they (IRB) wanted to stop me playing, I would have thought
they would have done that by now. The fact that I haven't
heard anything at all at this stage means I've pretty much
written it off as any real concern. Ben
Tune |
Vol2
Week 33 |
|
We
do not need a bunch of primadonnas who can't take a tap on the
shoulder without wanting to sommer
don'ner
a guy. I mean, that is really SO uncool.
Helen Esperandieu |
Vol2
Week 33 |
|
They
gave me advice, and I took it. I didn't have to take it but I
did. So I have to take responsibility for that as well.
Ben Tune |
Vol2
Week 34 |
|
World
rugby has had a century of Lions tours, of invincible All
Blacks and rampaging Springboks and where is the game of rugby
in Honduras, Nepal and Egypt? Exactly where it was 100 years
ago is probably pretty close to the answer.
Pio Bosco Tikoisuva, chief executive of
the Fiji Rugby Union |
Vol2
Week 34 |
|
Andre
Watson, the South African referee, may well have a facial
resemblance to a certain German dictator of the 1930s and
1940s - or at least he did until he shaved off his moustache -
but even he can be endearingly unpompous. Stephen
Jones |
Vol2
Week 34 |
|
It
was not Hiroshima, was it? Bob
Skinstad putting the WP loss against The Blue Bulls in
perspective. |
Vol2
Week 34 |
|
It
is no good to talk like Tarzan while playing like Jane. It is
time that the Province pack start commanding respect between
the chalk lines on the field.
Keith Andrews |
Vol2
Week 34 |
|
Western
Province don't bother me or my players. The days of us
so-called 'smaller' unions sh*tting ourselves for the 'bigger'
guys are over. Danie
Gerber |
Vol2
Week 35 |
|
I
think the main message is that world rugby needs New Zealand
and New Zealand needs world rugby. IRB
CEO Mike Miller |
Vol2
Week 35 |
|
It
is said in sporting circles that great players leave the game
a year too early rather than a year too late. Rudolf
Straeuli on Andre Venter's retirement |
Vol2
Week 35 |
|
Welsh
rugby may be about as healthy as a 40-a-day smoker with a
gammy leg and a whisky habit, but Llanelli will be up for
this. Chris Hewett |
Vol2
Week 35 |
|
South
Africa showed what they can do at the end of the Tri-nations.
They are not evolving but rather have evolved much more than
the other two countries.
Ian McGeechan |
Vol2
Week 35 |
|
I
met Jonah Lomu. I never knew how huge he was. I felt like a
peasant in a Godzilla movie. 'Quickly! Tell the other
villagers! We go now!' Robin
Williams |
Vol2
Week 35 |
|
I
realised, I could fall out of Jonah's nose, and he wouldn't
even notice. Robin
Williams |
Vol2
Week 35 |
|
Just
for once, I hope northern hemisphere rugby chiefs will not
allow themselves to be railroaded and have the bottle to tell
the South to 'Sod off'. Will
Carling on the proposed Tri-Nations between Aus, Eng and SA |
Vol2
Week 35 |
|
His
record is phenomenal and so is his ability. You can see what
he means to the Natal pack and he is respected by every top
lock in world rugby. Ian
McIntosh on Mark Andrews |
Vol2
Week 36 |
|
He
was a truly great Springbok. We had immense battles against
him. He was mentally very tough. He broke the Springbok mould
for locks because he was athletic as well as physically
strong. Ian
Jones on Mark Andrews |
Vol2
Week 36 |
|
I
want to see what weekends are really about.
Mark Andrews |
Vol2
Week 36 |
|
South
African rugby doesn't have to stand back for anyone.
Rudolf Straeuli |
Vol2
Week 36 |
|
I'd
rather not say anything about Harry Viljoen.
Andre Venter |
Vol2
Week 36 |
|
Every
time they play our anthem I realise how lucky I have been to
be able to be a Springbok and what a privilege it has been to
represent millions of people, their dreams and ideals.
Andre Venter |
Vol2
Week 36 |
|
All
those who pick a rugby team for the future never choose their
best team for the next match. Stephen
Jones |
Vol2
Week 36 |
|
In
September I read a lot of their (England players) columns on
websites and newspapers in which they were looking forward to
the World Cup. I told them that it was one hell of a
presumption to make, and that they might want to try to get a
game against the All Blacks this autumn first.
Clive Woodward |
Vol2
Week 36 |
|
Just
because you win games doesn't mean you shouldn't look at
changing the side. And that's certainly what we're looking at
- improving the side all the time.
Eddie Jones |
Vol2
Week 37 |
|
I'm
realistic, there's only so much I can do in three weeks with
the squad, but it's a great opportunity and I'm determined to
enjoy it and hopefully succeed.
New defence consultant to the Springboks,
Frank Ponissi |
Vol2
Week 37 |
|
My
plan is to retire from all rugby at the end of next season.
I'm a very loyal person, and will finish my career where I
started it, with the Blue Bulls in Pretoria.
Joost van der Westhuizen |
Vol2
Week 37 |
|
The
primary responsibility of this position will be to provide
executive leadership of the New Zealand Rugby Union through
strategic initiatives, business acumen, rugby empathy and the
overall development and management of an effective and
efficient organisation that exceeds stakeholder expectations.
Advertisement for CEO of the NZRU |
Vol2
Week 37 |
|
Chester
and I were always very competitive on the rugby field, but I
was not aware he harboured such strong feelings towards me.
James Small |
Vol2
Week 37 |
|
That
obscenity on the field did not shock me; I had been called the
K-word many times in my rugby life. If I was going to let
racial abuse get to me, then I was never going to succeed as a
black rugby player in South Africa Chester
Williams |
Vol2
Week 37 |
|
F**k
you, Laurie! When I come to breakfast first, I end up sitting
on my own, but if I come to breakfast later, I'm expected to
sit with the white guys. Why do we always have to make
concessions? Chester
Williams |
Vol2
Week 37 |
|
He
was not the best flanker in the country and he was not the
kind of captain I took to. I had always thought he was too
much flash and too little substance. Chester
on Francois Pienaar |
Vol2
Week 37 |
|
The
Springboks, who are professional athletes, should be paid like
pros, not like semi-pros. I've got the T-shirt and been there
and done that with the contracts. I've had enough. It's a
joke. Percy
Montgomery |
Vol2
Week 37 |
|
It
has caused grown men to cry. Philip
Gardner on the Currie Cup |
Vol2
Week 37 |
|
Have
we got the f*x#! heart? Do you want to see my f*x#! heart?!
Nick Mallett after a Currie Cup final
triumph to Dan Retief in 1982 |
Vol2
Week 37 |
|
When
I played for the Springboks we had a golden rule: what happens
on a Springbok tour, stays on that Springbok tour. I would
therefore not be comfortable speaking out.
Errol Tobias |
Vol2
Week 37 |
|
Whether
you are black or white, you have to prove yourself to your
teammates and gain their respect.
Errol Tobias |
Vol2
Week 37 |
|
There
are people in certain quarters who will no doubt call us
chokers. Kevin
Putt |
Vol2
Week 37 |
|
I
can't see the Bulls winning it. Mark
Andrews |
Vol2
Week 37 |
|
People
are sick of waiting for him (Jonah Lomu) to regain his best
form. He understands the consequences (if he fails).
John Mitchell |
Vol2
Week 38 |
|
They
didn't give us a sniff. We were up against it. They didn't
allow us into the game. André
Vos |
Vol2
Week 38 |
|
We
realised that we didn't play good rugby in the first half and
it was nice to see the passion out there early in the second
half. The Bulls, however, were too good for us.
Frans Ludeke |
Vol2
Week 38 |
|
The
reason for All Black dominance... violence... no other team
except the Springboks have set out to physically intimidate
New Zealand. The French have been able to occasionally and the
Australians try, but all other teams tacitly admit physical
defeat before the match starts. They are not tough enough, and
not violent enough. . . in England, there is a public school
reticence to knock someone to the ground even if it meant
you'd get the ball. We don't suffer from that inhibition.
David Kirk |
Vol2
Week 38 |
|
When
I played, the All Black flankers and No 8 always had a port
and cigar club. After every Test we would get together and
drink a couple of bottles of port, smoke cigars and talk not
just about the game that had just gone but the great matches
of the past. It was a tradition. Those are the things that
keep the history of the All Blacks alive. Wayne
'Buck' Shelford |
Vol2
Week 38 |
|
We
didn't just go and get tackled: we looked for support. That's
how the game was played - communication between the players
and keeping the options open. Not just run here, do this, do
that. David
Campese |
Vol2
Week 38 |
|
Look
he is brilliant. I would go so far as to say that he kicks
better than I remember Naas kicking.
HO De Villiers on Derrick Hougaard |
Vol2
Week 38 |
|
I'm
really looking forward to play under coaches like Gert Smal
and Carel du Plessis - two of my childhood heroes - and I will
play in any position they want to use me.
Gaffie Du Toit |
Vol2
Week 38 |
|
It's
not lost or anything, we just don't exactly know where it is
at the moment. Auckland
team manager Derek Sampson re the NPC trophy. |
Vol2
Week 38 |
|
It's
time to reclaim the sanctity of an international game. More
importantly, it's time to reclaim old values. It's time to saw
off a large chunk from that substitutes' bench.
Mick Cleary |
Vol2
Week 39 |
|
Three
years (of not beating England) is a long time and the
supporters deserve for us to go over and do well against
England. Rudolf
Straeuli |
Vol2
Week 39 |
|
All
three Tests will be televised and I've already re-arranged the
loungeroom so my armchair is at the front. Larry
Devine, father of new All Black Steve |
Vol2
Week 39 |
|
Hougaard
will play Super 12 for the Bulls next season, maybe not in all
the games, but it would be in the interest of South African
rugby to look after him, especially since he has a very bright
future ahead of him. Rudi
Joubert |
Vol2
Week 39 |
|
I
am prepared to back David depending on what his views are.
WRU chairman Glanmor Griffiths on the
appointment of David Moffett as Chief Executive |
Vol2
Week 39 |
|
All
the players (All Blacks) have to do is turn up with their
toothbrush and underpants. We take care of the rest. Simon
Johnston, Adidas rugby operations manager |
Vol2
Week 39 |
|
I'm
reasonably happy where we're at but if we're brutally honest
we've won nothing tangible. Clive
Woodward |
Vol2
Week 39 |
|
You
don't get lucky in sport. Clive
Woodward |
Vol2
Week 39 |
|
Five
years in the waiting and they send nonentities.
Paul Ackford on the All Black team |
Vol2
Week 39 |
|
Five
years ago, many of the England team were sick at half-time -
such is the intensity of playing the All Blacks.
Lawrence Dallaglio |
Vol2
Week 39 |
|
He
is the purest and most ferocious All Black there has ever
been. Donald McRae
on Colin Meads |
Vol2
Week 39 |
|
This
is our big opportunity. Martin
Leslie, Scotish flank |
Vol2
Week 41 |
|
I
think the Bok players should hand their R75 000 match fees
over to charity. Rob
Louw |
Vol2
Week 41 |
|
Boetie,
I swear that was worse than anything I've ever seen (from the
Boks). Hempie Du Toit |
Vol2
Week 41 |
|
Yes,
Saturday's defeat to Scotland hurt even more than the one to
the French did, but there definitely is no crisis. However,
what was proved was that there should be a strength versus
strength format in the Currie Cup. Rian
Oberholzer |
Vol2
Week 41 |
|
One
should not get too emotional now. The people at home are
disappointed and we are not feeling good. Rudolf
Straueli |
Vol2
Week 41 |
|
It
was a very special day as we don't beat South Africa very
often. We did it because a group of players raised their game
to a new level. Ian
McGeechan |
Vol2
Week 41 |
|
Nelson
Mandela, Thabo Mbeki, Jan Smuts... Your boys took a hell of a
beating! Front page headline in the Scotland
on Sunday newspaper. |
Vol2
Week 41 |
|
Now
their status as as one of the proudest rugby countries in the
world is in tatters. Findlay
Calder |
Vol2
Week 41 |
|
It
is very disappointing to finish a match like that.
Francois Gelez |
Vol2
Week 41 |
|
The
game against England is first and foremost about restoring
pride. Francois Pienaar |
Vol2
Week 42 |
|
As
long as the guys remember that they are playing for the
jersey, I'm sure it will go well. Willie
Meyer |
Vol2
Week 42 |
|
My
philosophy on rugby is very similar to that of Tim (Lane). It
is no secret that you play well when you get on with
management. Bob Skinstad |
Vol2
Week 42 |
|
It'll
be a great experience, and I can't wait to get started.
Mark Andrews |
Vol2
Week 42 |
|
In
the past England have slipped up in the crucial games and
Saturday will be a test for them. They have everything to lose
- we have nothing to lose. Corne
Krige |
Vol2
Week 42 |
|
President
Mbeki felt I should come here, so did the cabinet, because our
boys have had a rough time and they need to know they have our
support. Ngconde Balfour |
Vol2
Week 42 |
|
It
was a brutal test match and it was disappointing that South
Africa approached it the way they did. Clive
Woodward |
Vol2
Week 42 |
|
Do
they think that we concussed ourselves. It was hard, it was
physical, but it was not just us who were guilty. It was just
another really hard test match. Rudolf
Straeuli |
Vol2
Week 42 |
|
I'm
not that convinced they (England) can play much better but we
can improve by at least 60 percent. Corne
Krige |
Vol2
Week 42 |
|
It
was appalling out there, South Africa were dirty from the
start. They should concentrate on playing the game rather than
trying to maim everyone. The game's tough enough as it is but
they were trying to hurt you purposefully. There's a
difference between physicality and cheap shots. Their game was
full of cheap shots. Jason Robinson |
Vol2
Week 42 |
|
As
dark as it seems now I know we can stand up. We didn't get the
results we wanted to, but at the end with 14 men the guys
showed huge character. A lot of young players have now got
their first experience of test rugby and only time will tell
whether we're still building to a peak or whether England have
peaked too soon. Rudolf
Straeuli |
Vol2
Week 42 |
|
He
kicked the ball and on coming down he jumped on my shoulder.
Jannes Labuschagne |
Vol2
Week 42 |
|
Straeuli
played in a World Cup team that nearly conceded the title for
having a player sent off, surely he doesn't want to have
history repeat itself? Gavin
Rich |
Vol2
Week 43 |
|
I've
had a good innings and while I'm sad it ended this way (Currie
Cup runners-up and a record loss to France) I have no regrets
about my career. Willie
Meyer |
Vol2
Week 43 |
|
South
Africa were a disgrace, Corne Krige as captain targeted the
entire England team. It was all rather Jurassic.
Stuart Barnes |
Vol2
Week 43 |
|
There
is a lack of international coaches because the authorities
insist on the appointment of SA-born coaches at provincial
level. As a result there is not the cross-pollination of ideas
that takes place in Britain. Nick
Mallett |
Vol2
Week 43 |
|
If
you'd played in that Test, you would know we were giving as
good as we were getting. Corne
Krige |
Vol2
Week 43 |
|
Fijian
full-back, Waisele Serevi thinks "tackle" is
something you take fishing with you. Jonathan
Davies |
Vol2
Week 43 |
|
Mark
(Andrews) is a very impressive individual and there was so
much demand for his services however, he chose to come here
because he feels there is a massive potential and he can make
a big impression. Rob
Andrew |
Vol2
Week 43 |
|
The
English especially showed us how a pack should work together
as a unit. Most European countries became stronger physically.
CJ Van der Linde |
Vol2
Week 43 |
|
I
would love to play for the Boks again, but I have been out of
rugby for two years, and am taking a conservative approach at
the moment. Os
Du Randt |
Vol2
Week 43 |
|
Other
referees seemed to take ages to come to grips with the milieu
of senior competitive rugby, but I was at home immediately -
not much good, but at home. Wayne
Erickson |
Vol2
Week 43 |
|
Then
the world went mad. From the commencement of the professional
era we saw a yearly cycle of over-balance and subsequent
correction as referees were bashed (almost) senseless trying
to get the balance between flow and structure right.
Wayne Erickson |
Vol2
Week 43 |
|
Players
want to know how much they are likely to earn the following
year. Willie Meyer |
Vol2
Week 44 |
|
The
players are getting fed up with the way rugby in South Africa
is being run and the Super 12 tournament. They are not being
well-coached and are getting smashed by the other teams and
it's no fun. Nick
Mallett |
Vol2
Week 44 |
|
What
needs to happen is South African administrators have to go.
Nick Mallett |
Vol2
Week 44 |
|
It
was suicide to go on an overseas tour with 20 youngsters in a
group of 26. Rather take 20 experienced players and gradually
blend six young guys into Test rugby. Warren
Britz |
Vol2
Week 44 |
|
The
Queen did mention that we were having a successful time.
Clive Woodward on receiving his OBE |
Vol2
Week 44 |
|
All
I ask is that when people object to my ways is that they stab
me in the front not the back. David
Moffett, new CEO of the Welsh Rugby Union. |
Vol2
Week 44 |
|
South
Africa is not losing players to Europe because of poor
administration. The buying power of the English pound is the
reason and it has affected New Zealand and Australia.
Mark Keohane in response to Nick Mallett |
Vol2
Week 44 |
|
When
passing judgment on South African rugby in the future, perhaps
he should analyse his shortcomings in 1999 and 2000 first and
offer constructive advice instead of the emotional outbursts
of recent weeks. Mark
Keohane in response to Nick Mallett |
Vol2
Week 44 |
|
I
don't like Mark. As journalist he was always stirring up
controversy and now he is the media manager of the Springboks.
Nick Mallett on Mark Keohane |
Vol2
Week 44 |
