|
For me this tour is just as big if not bigger
than the World Cup. This has to be the best-ever prepared
Lions squad if we are to have an chance of winning in New
Zealand. Clive Woodward |
Vol5 Week 1 |
|
When I look back over the last 10 years of my
playing career in New Zealand I feel incredibly satisfied
all I have experienced and achieved. Justin Marshall |
Vol5 Week 1 |
|
The unions want to manage the Super 12 teams
themselves, but this kind of childishness shows there is a
still a long way to go. André Markgraaff on where Solly
Tyibilika should play his rugby - Sharks or not. |
Vol5 Week 1 |
|
It could drive me insane not being able to
practice the kicking, but I have accepted that this is the
case and am trying to keep it in the back of my mind.
Jonny Wilkinson on his latest injury |
Vol5 Week 1 |
|
The gloves are off. I know that Van Rooyen
has been talking to all the provinces, getting them to rally
around him. South African Rugby Vice-President Mike
Stofile |
Vol5 Week 1 |
|
There is no place for Africans in SA Rugby,
in administration or on the field. Mike Stofile |
Vol5 Week 1 |
|
SA Rugby will not be dictated to as to how it
runs its business. No political interference will be
tolerated, not in the selection of teams, not in rugby
decisions and not in any management decisions. André
Markgraaff |
Vol5 Week 1 |
|
A Welsh rugby fan cut off his own testicles
to celebrate Wales beating world champions England at rugby
in Cardiff for the first time in 12 years. True
story.... |
Vol5 Week 1 |
|
In essence it will be my job to take on all
rugby decisions in Western Province. Nick Mallett |
Vol5 Week 1 |
|
It's a step in the right direction. If a guy
is coming down for business and he wants to attend a game he
can buy his ticket at a Shoprite Checkers store in Sandton
for example. This system is going to be introduced
nationwide. CEO of WP Rugby, Rob Wagner |
Vol5 Week 2 |
|
The ability to get pissed and fall down is
regarded as rite of passage both in New Zealand and
Australia. Former All Black manager Andrew Martin, slams
the binge-drinking culture, which he believes is ingrained
in New Zealand rugby |
Vol5 Week 2 |
|
I reckon we should have at least one import
per Super 14 side, I remember the days of Ian Botham and Viv
Richards playing cricket for Queensland, and how that
worked. You've got to keep creating something. Wallabies
selector Tim Horan |
Vol5 Week 2 |
|
You have to write last week off. England
could not play as badly again if they tried. We didn't
dominate any facet of the game (against Wales), but I've not
been one to sulk for too long. For me it's a distant memory,
you have to look forward. Graham Rowntree before the
test against France..... |
Vol5 Week 2 |
|
I'm not a homosexual but I realise now that I
loved Clive Woodward. Bernard Laporte |
Vol5 Week 2 |
|
We showed some ambition, what did France
create today? They didn't create anything against a
well-organized defense. Andy Robinson, England coach |
Vol5 Week 2 |
|
We created a victory. Dave
Ellis, French defensive coach... |
Vol5 Week 2 |
|
Charlie Hodgson had six place-kicks at goal
and hit five perfectly. Three of his six goalkicks went
over, three did not. A blustery day affected the flight of
the ball. That's true for Olly too. Jonny wilkinson |
Vol5 Week 2 |
|
I have had enough of hearing about the Martin
Johnson era - as much as I love him - and the World Cup
era. Graham Rowntree |
Vol5 Week 2 |
|
With the exception of slipping or the ball
being sent off course by a gust of wind, there is no excuse
why he cannot be successful. Visual and skills
specialist, Sheryll Calder on Gaffie Du Toit's kicking
abilities |
Vol5 Week 3 |
|
If SA Rugby are serious about transforming
and growing the game, they must award the franchise to the
Southern and Eastern Cape. MEC for Sport in the
Eastern Cape, Ms Nomsa Jajula and MEC for Sport in the
Western Cape, Chris Stali |
Vol5 Week 3 |
|
It feels that I don't belong there. It's
nothing personal, I have no problems with the coaches or the
players, but the whole system and style of play doesn't suit
me. Willem Stoltz on leaving the Cats |
Vol5 Week 3 |
|
I don't know about any KGB-type undercover
correspondence or dead-letter drops with the media, but I
think a few people might be worried about what websites
they've been surfing during office hours. A 'source'
at SA Rugby after a forensic audit to find out who was
responsible for leaking information to the press |
Vol5 Week 3 |
|
After 621 Super 12 games, the competition has
produced 3793 tries at an average of more than six a match. |
Vol5 Week 3 |
|
It is chiefly because of the line-out
throwing that I am keeping Dixie as my first choice hooker
at the moment, but I am committed to giving Shimmie as much
game time as possible. Gert Smal on why he selected
Peter Dixon ahead of Hanyani Shimange, Springbok reserve
hooker. |
Vol5 Week 3 |
|
I don't want tokenism - it's an insult to
everybody. And there are so many occasions when it seems
that black players are there in order to satisfy the demands
for transformation. That is not good for the morale of the
individual or the team. Desmond Tutu |
Vol5 Week 3 |
|
There are 25 matches left before the World
Cup so we must see as many players as possible - the
competition is very high and open. Manager, Jo Maso
making it clear what the French priority is. |
Vol5 Week 3 |
|
It would be highly unprofessional, and even
childish, of me if I was to go out in this game to settle a
personal grudge. Luke Watson before the
Stormers/Sharks clash |
Vol5 Week 3 |
|
SA Rugby is aware of certain measurables that
they need to adhere to for our support of their bid (2011
RWC) to continue. To that end the ministry has informed them
of our choice for the new South African Super 14
franchise. Ministerial spokesman, Bongani Majola
making it 'clear' where the franchise should go - Eastern
Province |
Vol5 Week 4 |
|
I don't like his attitude, but I won't say
that we want to see him ousted. Democracy will take its
shape there. Others will see his shortcomings in due
course. Butana Khompela (chairman of parliamentary
sport committee) on Brian Van Rooyen |
Vol5 Week 4 |
|
The way I see it you have to make sure you
get a home semifinal if you have serious designs on the
Super 12 trophy. Nick Mallett's advice to SA teams |
Vol5 Week 4 |
|
They [the IRB] just need to get off their
backsides and start employing new concepts to be able to
develop the game. By the looks of it, the richer countries
get stronger and stronger while the weaker ones stay as they
are. Nick Farr-Jones |
Vol5 Week 4 |
|
It's six-and-a-half of the one and a dozen of
the other, wasn't it. Tony Johnson, commentating Reds
vs. Hurricanes. |
Vol5 Week 4 |
|
In the second half we seemed to go to sleep
but the Cats deserve credit, they were certainly very strong
on defence. Victor Matfield |
Vol5 Week 4 |
|
We will focus on the positive aspect of the
match against the Stormers, such as our excellent defence.
We do not accept losing, but have already forgotten about
the match. Kevin Putt |
Vol5 Week 4 |
|
It was great, that is a night we will really
enjoy for some time. Chester Williams. |
Vol5 Week 4 |
|
I don't think I've been called a 'Fat F***ing
Hamburger Eating C**t as many times in my career as happened
in an hour on Saturday. I just told them to keep on looking
at the scoreboard. Ollie Le Roux |
Vol5 Week 4 |
|
We are upset now, but the referee is in
charge and he has called it his way and we have got to be
able to cope with that. We did everything we could have done
to win the game. I am very proud of my players and, with a
couple of decisions, this could have been a very famous
victory. Andy Robinson |
Vol5 Week 4 |
|
I want to speak to the IRB about it. I think
only one side was refereed. Andy Robinson |
Vol5 Week 4 |
|
Jonathan Kaplan is in the top 20 in the world
but that wasn't an international performance. It would not
have been acceptable in the Zurich Premiership. If one of my
referees had done that, I would have had my backside kicked
for making the appointment. If any English referee refereed
like that in a European match, there would be an inquest. No
question about that. If someone had performed like that, he
would have been pulled from the next game. Colin
High, ex international (England) referee |
Vol5 Week 4 |
|
I understand it, Andy is a reasonable coach
and it is out of character for him to do something like
this. I wish him well for the rest of his Six Nations
campaign. Jonathan Kaplan |
Vol5 Week 4 |
|
I have watched the footage, and I would have
been the first to put my hand up if it was clear that I had
made a mistake. Jonathan Kaplan |
Vol5 Week 4 |
|
Robinson is living up to England's reputation
as whingeing Poms. Stop going on about it as who really
cares? They're acting like they're the first team to be
cheated of a win. David Campese |
Vol5 Week 4 |
|
You used to have quality players queuing and
begging to sign for the Sharks and a core of guys at Kings
Park that stuck together, whatever the circumstances, Now
you have all these new guys who are just covering their
backsides and, if the rumours are to be believed, they don't
trust the coach. Ollie Le Roux on the Sharks demise |
Vol5 Week 5 |
|
I do not like it when age is mentioned. If
the guy is good enough, he should play. Marius
Hurter |
Vol5 Week 5 |
|
When you look at the timing of the game, it's
not ideal. I'm under pressure back home to earn my place
back in the Crusaders so a week away doesn't help that. But,
at the end of the day this is a great opportunity, and to be
invited is a huge honour and a big thrill. I may never play
in this sort of game again. Andrew Mehrtens |
Vol5 Week 5 |
|
We shouldn't put too many [game plan]
restraints on our players which can kill their skills and
initiatives. If you become a one-dimensional team you will
be found out very quickly. Gert Smal |
Vol5 Week 5 |
|
They are big and angry. I know that about
them. David Fitter, new Brumbies prop on the Bulls
forwards |
Vol5 Week 5 |
|
I don't think Andy said anything any team
official wouldn't have said. Clive Woodward |
Vol5 Week 5 |
|
I get the feeling that with Tappe (Henning)
if you haven't got clean boots he'll penalise you. John
Drake during the Blues/Reds clash |
Vol5 Week 5 |
|
I don't know what to make of the
Sharks. Nick Mallett |
Vol5 Week 5 |
|
We are disappointed with the performance of
Derick (Hougaard), because we could have won against the
Cats and the Brumbies if he was accurate with his
kicking. Heyneke Meyer |
Vol5 Week 5 |
|
It adds up to nearly 120 weeks, and
two-and-a-half years spent in squad sessions preparing for
matches! Fabian Pelous on his upcoming 100th test cap |
Vol5 Week 5 |
|
He is a referee we like but I sincerely
believe that he had a bad day and was completely wrong.
Bernard Laporte on Jonathan Kaplan |
Vol5 Week 5 |
|
I don't expect to win the game by a
mile. Andy Robinson re England's game against Italy |
Vol5 Week 5 |
|
Apart from the facilities, South Africa has
the climate and outstanding, top class accommodation.
Together with our rugby culture, we are in a position to
stage the biggest party ever. Francois Pienaar on SA's
2011 RWC bid |
Vol5 Week 6 |
|
Discipline cost us the game and I'm very
disappointed. I told the players as much. Despite only
having 14 players for 20 minutes, we had opportunities to
finish it off, but we let ourselves down. Gert Smal |
Vol5 Week 6 |
|
Ever since the (2003) World Cup, where I did
so well, I've thought that was the pinnacle and I wanted to
go being remembered as a good referee, not a slow
one. Paddy O'Brien on his retirement |
Vol5 Week 6 |
|
Yes, he is not playing well, but a change to
the fly-half will only be considered if it would lead to a
significant improvement. Heyneke Meyer on Derrick
Hougaard |
Vol5 Week 6 |
|
Botha is playing on last year's newspaper
headlines, he's far too individualistic and needs to become
more of a team man. Joost van der Westhuizen on
Ettienne Botha |
Vol5 Week 6 |
|
It's pretty desperate stuff when a touch
judge gets involved and can't tell you who or where it
was. Murray Mexted |
Vol5 Week 6 |
|
If you look at the performances of some of
the other South African teams it probably means that the
depth is not there. Particularly in a competition such as
the Super 12 where South African teams travel as much as
they do, I think that team would really, really struggle. At
this stage I just think it is pretty unrealistic to expect
them to be competitive. Clyde Rathbone on a 5th SA
franchise |
Vol5 Week 6 |
|
It (Barry's tackle) was definitely a high
shot but these things happen and I don't think there was a
lot of malice in it, I think probably more was made of it
than was actually the case. Rathbone, on De Wet Barry's
tackle |
Vol5 Week 6 |
|
I was so concerned that I approached Chris
Whitaker after the match and told him that I was greatly
appalled at what I'd heard. Nathan Grey after being
accused of a racial slur on a Cats player |
Vol5 Week 6 |
|
You are really naive if you think 7.5 defeats
in the last 8 Super 12 matches are not proof that South
African rugby is pathetic. Naas Botha |
Vol5 Week 6 |
|
Only players good enough should earn millions
a year. Naas Botha |
Vol5 Week 6 |
|
I'm extremely disappointed for any grief and
hurt that I have caused Chumani Booi over a comment I made
during the match. I offer a public apology to Chumani, the
Cats, Nathan Grey, my team-mates and the community for what
I said. I'm also disappointed that Nathan's name has been
dragged through the press when he is innocent. Justin
Harrison owns up |
Vol5 Week 6 |
|
Chris (Rossouw) will take over the kicking
duties. Gaffie has been working on some new techniques, and
once he's used to them his percentage will go up.
Gert Smal, forever the optimist... |
Vol5 Week 6 |
|
Rather than to catch people out, it was for
the coaching staff to have a better idea of who needed extra
tuition or work on the plays, who needed to go through them
more at training. Owen Finnegan on writing written
exams for the Brumbies.... |
Vol5 Week 7 |
|
They're an older, ageing team while we are a
lot younger, so we're hoping for a fast, open game - and may
the best side win. Gavin Henson |
Vol5 Week 7 |
|
Players train physically where the levels of
fitness and strength are comparable at optimum levels, but
it's the mental side of things where you can still expose
weaknesses. They might still run as fast but they might not
run at someone if they know they're going to cop a mouthful.
It's not vindictive; you can remind players of things they
may not want to do and force them into doing it.
Justin Harrison |
Vol5 Week 7 |
|
I am certainly getting a lot of advice from
my friends in Wales now but that is what makes it such a
fascinating job. Clive Woodward |
Vol5 Week 7 |
|
I think if the referees play their part in
keeping Richie on his feet and off the ball on the ground
then some of the temptation would be avoided. David
Nucifora, Blues technical adviser |
Vol5 Week 7 |
|
The Sharks need a Freddy Kruger at flyhalf,
instead they've got Herkie Kruger. Dave Waterston |
Vol5 Week 7 |
|
The Stormers are not Chelsea and Smal is not
Jose Mourinho, he can't afford to rotate players like that
and expect to win. Paulse is the Stormers best wing and he's
got to play. Dave Waterston |
Vol5 Week 7 |
|
It is unacceptable to concede tries from
first phase moves at Super 12 level. Luke Watson |
Vol5 Week 7 |
|
I am not satisfied and I am very disappointed
with our teams' performances, especially those of some
individuals - among them some of our top players.
Brian van Rooyen |
Vol5 Week 7 |
|
They (English internationals at Northampton)
worked against him and in all my time in professional rugby
I have never experienced influential players working as hard
to get a coach out as they did with Solly (Allan Solomons)
Robbie Kempson |
Vol5 Week 7 |
|
As I said to my mates, if you're disappointed
at having watched that, know how we feel, we actually
produced that. Joe van Niekerk on the latest
Stormers defeat. |
Vol5 Week 7 |
|
I am demanding wins. I don't want anything
less. Players must realise that they have to deliver for the
paying customer. We have an obligation to the
spectators. Rob Wagner, Stormers chief executive |
Vol5 Week 7 |
|
It's going to make all the loosies around the
world, and McCaw is probably the best, think `well I'm going
to get away with this. Former All Blacks captain Gary
Whetton on the six-week suspension of Blues lock Ali
Williams for stomping/rucking |
Vol5 Week 8 |
|
I thought Ali Williams was fortunate to only
get six weeks. It was blatant stomping. He was frustrated
and he took it out on McCaw. The other two Blues players
were also guilty of stomping. Go and look at the motion. It
wasn't one of a ruck. Nick Mallett |
Vol5 Week 8 |
|
I spoke to him (Kevin Putt) and he had just
been informed that the board had met and his contract had
been terminated. Dick Muir will step into the role as of
Wednesday night. Mike Greenaway on Kevin Putts'
firing. |
Vol5 Week 8 |
|
As a coach, one is always aware that the time
to move on will arrive, but my heart and soul has, and
always will be with the Sharks and if the board believe that
this move is in the best interests of the team and our
supporters, then I will gracefully make way for someone else
to take over. I wish the new coach and players all the very
best and offer my full support. Kevin Putt |
Vol5 Week 8 |
|
'I have never had that feeling on the pitch
of "oh my gosh, these guys are enormous". I see them as
obstacles to get around. Brent Russell |
Vol5 Week 8 |
|
I played under the Sharks and they were the
best brand in the world. It is sad that a brand that is so
powerful and so strong could have been damaged by one
individual. What is even more disturbing is that there is no
accountability. Ollie Le Roux |
Vol5 Week 8 |
|
It was tough. The Sharks had plenty to play
for, they had a disturbing week, and they played pretty
well. They pretty much outplayed us today, but we love South
Africa. Owen Finnegan in his post match comment on the
Sharks defeat. |
Vol5 Week 8 |
|
It was a total team effort and I think we can
build from this win. It is going to be tough overseas, and
thanks to the fans for their support. At half-time we
realised the Brumbies would come back at us. But all the
guys pulled together, the foundation has been laid by those
people not here coaching, and we thank them for that. The
main thing is attitude, defense is about attitude and it's
fantastic to have a want to win like we have in this team.
New coach, Dick Muir |
Vol5 Week 8 |
|
If South African players tackled all their
opponents the way they tackle Clyde Rathbone they'd never
lose a game. Andy Capostagno |
Vol5 Week 8 |
|
Establishing a Super 14 team in Western
Australia is one of the most exciting developments in
Australian Rugby since the game went professional in 1996,
so it is great to be a part of it. Brendan Cannon |
Vol5 Week 9 |
|
We've got a pretty strong resolve within this
year's squad and I'm confident we can see off Perth's
recruitment side show during this important period.
Waratah's coach, Ewen McKenzie |
Vol5 Week 9 |
|
Sometimes the best way to learn scrummaging
is to have your head shoved up your backside a couple of
times. Phil Kearns |
Vol5 Week 9 |
|
You are not Anglo American, you are not
[Raymond] Ackerman, transformation is your core duty. Not a
social aspect of your activities. Dan Moyo, Super 14
franchise bid committee member on the Stormers, lack of
transformation. |
Vol5 Week 9 |
|
We are nice guys and they (the referees) go
for us. De Wet Barry |
Vol5 Week 9 |
|
We all thought the r@pe and pillaging was
over when rugby went professional and rugby league stopped
raiding the ranks. Chris Handy, on the signing of
Nathan Sharpe to the new WA franchise |
Vol5 Week 9 |
|
As far as I am concerned, an unfortunate
combination of circumstances was the biggest cause for four
defeats in our away matches. Blue Bulls rugby boss,
Dolf van Huyssteen |
Vol5 Week 9 |
|
I thought my head was going to burst when our
heads collided. Richard Bands after accidentally
knocking Richie McCaw unconscious |
Vol5 Week 9 |
|
People say the easiest thing is being picked
(for the squad), but now it is about getting a Test place.
With Brian O'Driscoll as captain, there is only one centre
spot up for grabs, which makes it even more difficult.
Gavin Henson, on the Lions selection. |
Vol5 Week 9 |
|
Players have been picked on merit, it wasn't
about divvying up from each country, that would be a recipe
for disaster. Clive Woodward on his Lion's selections |
Vol5 Week 9 |
|
It was a superb semi-final that had
everything, except the right result for us. England
u/19 coach Tosh Askew after their defeat to the SA u/19's |
Vol5 Week 9 |
|
The tour is not about winning the provincial
games, important though they are, but the Test series and
that will be our total focus. Lion's captain Brian
O'Driscoll |
Vol5 Week 10 |
|
You feel when you at the ground (Canberra
Stadium) that you are destined to play well. ACT coach
Laurie Fisher |
Vol5 Week 10 |
|
Too many teams treat Canberra like
Johannesburg. They fly in and fly out as quick as they can.
But we're certainly not frightened about going down
there. NSW coach Ewen McKenzie |
Vol5 Week 10 |
|
A panel that knows nothing about rugby cannot
take a decision regarding development. It should have been a
rugby decision and not a panel decision. SA Sports
Minister Makhenkesi Stofile |
Vol5 Week 10 |
|
Saru has given the growth of soccer in the
eastern Cape a major push. They should wake up. A major
opportunity has now gone to waste. Garth Wright after
the Eastern regions' failed Super 14 bid |
Vol5 Week 10 |
|
Talent is not enough to be an elite rugby
player, it hasn't been for some time. The other essential
elements are conditioning, the nutrition to support that
conditioning, hydration, rest and recovery techniques and a
bit of luck. And, apart from luck, all are measurable.
Neil Back |
Vol5 Week 10 |
|
I cried when I heard the news, I don't mind
admitting it. It was a very emotional moment. The Lions are
a big thing. A huge thing. Neil Back |
Vol5 Week 10 |
|
It's sad the way we target schoolkids and
that they go straight into academies. In doing so, we run
the risk of developing a generation of players who have no
outside interests, no career and who can't solve their own
problems, and we didn't want that to happen. Wayne
Smith, All Blacks assistant coach. |
Vol5 Week 10 |
|
It is naive to think that transformation
equals giving (the southern and eastern Cape) a franchise.
You must look at their management, infrastructure and
financial sustainability. Both Border and Eastern Province
are interminably in disputes. They have been disappointing
on (on-field) transformation - they don't have a majority of
black players in their provincial teams. The fact that the
region's bid did not have significant black African
representation was another weakness. Norman Arendse,
convened of the four-man panel that judged the submissions. |
Vol5 Week 11 |
|
We recognise the strong views that have been
expressed in recent days, particularly those of the minister
of sport. Out of respect for him and his position, I believe
this matter merits further debate. Brian van Rooyen |
Vol5 Week 11 |
|
I've almost come back down to earth again and
am starting to settle back into real life. But Sunday's win
is still there in the back of my mind. Alistair
Hargreaves, South African Under 19 captain |
Vol5 Week 11 |
|
We've had some changes with management, but
it's all been good, the guys have all accepted it. Although
it was sad to lose the old coach [Kevin Putt], it's all been
positive, and everything that has happened in the past stays
there. We are looking forward now. Butch James |
Vol5 Week 11 |
|
I've been involved with the team (NZ Maori)
since 1994 and we've never had all our All Blacks available,
although we are still close to a 90% win record in that
time. Coach, Matt Te Pou |
Vol5 Week 11 |
|
I could live with no World Cup, but I
couldn't live without giving it a go. My soul is free and I
can carry on with life. Jonah Lomu |
Vol5 Week 11 |
|
I want to apologise to the South African
rugby public for what happened last week. It makes South
Africa the laughing stock of world rugby, and we can't
afford that. Brian van Rooyen |
Vol5 Week 11 |
|
The game plan is too robotic, too textbook.
We're not able to play what's in front of us on the football
field. "Anonymous" Reds player |
Vol5 Week 11 |
|
Perth is being seen as a cure-all," he said.
"There is frustration in the squad at the moment because
we're losing and there's a new team in the marketplace
that's selling a rosy picture. John Mitchell (the Force |
Vol5 Week 11 |
|
coach) is selling a great story. Jeff
Miller, Reds coach |
Vol5 Week 11 |
|
We started achieving success after our return
from overseas because we play good rugby. We won't deviate
from what has worked against the Crusaders, Reds and
Chiefs. Heyneke Meyer |
Vol5 Week 11 |
|
I haven't seen him [Woodward] on the training
field yet, but he's pretty keen on his meetings, so that's
something I'll have to get used to. Gavin Henson,
Lions centre |
Vol5 Week 11 |
|
He asked us to be quiet until the end of the
Super 12 tournament. But unfortunately, if you go into the
club shop, buy a few Saints shirts and have Carlos and
number 10 put on the back, then go down to a bar in town
showing your Maori tattoos off, it's obvious what is
happening! It's not a done deal yet, but it is 99%.
Northampton chairman Keith Barwell on 'new signing' Carlos
Spencer |
Vol5 Week 12 |
|
The way Queensland have played rugby the past
two years has given sleep therapists a unique weapon in
their fight against insomnia, all they have to do is use a
tape of any Queensland game and it provides a quick fix.
Simon Poidevin |
Vol5 Week 12 |
|
Our selection policy is based on consistency
and continuity. Last year we put a solid selection framework
in place and the result of that speaks for itself. I want to
reiterate that we will not change our approach. Peter
Jooste, convener of Springbok selection panel. |
Vol5 Week 12 |
|
Of course, each person has his own opinion on
what the Springbok team or squad must look like. Rugby
evokes powerful emotions in our proud sporting nation.
Whilst we appreciate this, I think that it is important for
people to understand that we do not base our selection
criteria on emotion. Jooste again. |
Vol5 Week 12 |
|
A merger between the Bulls and Lions can't
work. We need a rugby solution. Right now everyone is
worried about holding onto his piece of the jigsaw. We need
to improve our rugby, uplift our clubs and produce black
talent. Nick Mallett |
Vol5 Week 12 |
|
I've never been a flashy prop. Coaches know
that they get the basics from me. I scrum, help in the
lineouts and do my support play... as long as you try to do
your best. Marius Hurter |
Vol5 Week 12 |
|
It is great for us. Jonny is a world-class
player and has been for a number of years. It is a big boost
to the side. Lions captain, Brian O'Driscoll |
Vol5 Week 13 |
|
It reflects some of the attitudes which
compelled me to step down from the England job in the first
place. Clive Woodward, on the RFU's letter sent to
coaches working on the Lions' tour before the set date. |
Vol5 Week 13 |
|
I just think the Lions are bringing far too
many players for a few games, to me, this is ridiculous. I
heard they wanted to bring 52 (players) at one stage.
Colin Meads |
Vol5 Week 13 |
|
It is not long now before players will be
able to walk into a team on merit, regardless of the colour
of their skin. Hopefully within the next year or two.
Breyten Paulse |
Vol5 Week 13 |
|
Who is Schalk Brits? He has never even played
SA under-21, has played one Super 12 season, his team is
second from bottom on the log and, from what I hear, he is
one of those players that don't train on Mondays. He can
phone Elmaré (in the travel office) and indicate whether he
wants to fly BA or SAA. I won't be bullied by players saying
that they will go if I don't pick them. Jake White
on Cats hooker Schalk Brits |
Vol5 Week 13 |
|
Honesty is what every rugby player wants from
a coach. If a player is going to be third choice in his
position then tell him that's the case and what he needs to
do. Coaches want to retain the players and consequently
aren't always honest with them. Schalk Brits..... |
Vol5 Week 13 |
|
We may be the current favourites but we're
assuming nothing. We want to fire the silver bullet at
Twickenham. And the military analogy suits us - well-drilled
heavy armour striking at the heart of the Navy's defence
with infantry skirmishing on the flanks, surging forward in
wave after wave. Andy Hickling, the British Army coach
before the annual match against the Royal Navy. |
Vol5 Week 13 |
|
I believe we use him in the right way. He is
never going to be a ball carrier, so we've allowed him to
adapt to his more natural skill. Heyneke Meyer on
Victor Matfield |
Vol5 Week 13 |
|
If the best is in this country, then so be
it, but I believe we have a problem with coaching and we
have to look everywhere to make the right
appointment. Nick Mallett re, a new coach for the
Stormers |
Vol5 Week 13 |
|
Off the footie field, Kiwis are notoriously
hard to stir up and be motivated to do something en masse.
But somebody has to say it, the haka is well past its use-by
date. Frank Haden |
Vol5 Week 13 |
|
It's groping in a sense - it's like a blind
man in a brothel. Murray Mexted during the
Hurricanes/Blues clash |
Vol5 Week 13 |
|
The haka has been part and parcel of the All
Black team for as long as I can remember. It's not menacing
and players who face it either face up to it or just don't
look. It would be sad if it went. Barry John |
Vol5 Week 13 |
|
I thought we got our selection spot on last
year and nine wins from 13 matches tends to vindicate this.
I said last year that the core of the 2007 World Cup squad
has been identified and they will over the next two seasons
hopefully continue to achieve success and grow as a
squad. Jake White |
Vol5 Week 14 |
|
It was a fantastic victory, but we all know
the party is over. The Waratahs will be much more demanding
than the Stormers, who were especially vulnerable on
defence. Heyneke Meyer |
Vol5 Week 14 |
|
All I can say is that I think we've been
outplayed by most probably the best Bulls team that I've
seen in my career. This is one of the best, if not the best,
Bulls sides in history and you could see the experience,
especially in the pack. Gert Smal |
Vol5 Week 14 |
|
I think they've already stated we were their
preferred option and I guess travel-wise it makes sense. I
don't think we're unhappy and I don't think they are unhappy
so it is probably the best situation. Ewen McKenzie |
Vol5 Week 14 |
|
Even allowing for the fact the Stormers were
all at sea on the weekend, what the Bulls did to them in
Pretoria was downright scary. Small wonder the television
director kept interrupting the live action to cut to the
bare midriffs of the Bulls' cheerleaders as they pranced and
danced on the sideline because there is only so much footage
of butt-ugly front-rowers on the rampage that the average
viewer can stomach. Wayne Smith in The Australian |
Vol5 Week 14 |
|
Please tell me - who is the strongest - Bands
or Hurter? I want to compare apples with apples. I have data
- about fitness, body fat and weight, stamina etc - about
virtually every player in my squad, but not for other
players. I just do not get that information from the Super
12 teams. Jake White |
Vol5 Week 14 |
|
I want to change the way hookers play, I
believe a hooker is a multi-dimensional player. He's not
just there to throw in the ball, scrum and hit the rucks. I
believe the hooker can hit the blind more often. He's got so
much more space - there are so many dimensions. Schalk
Brits |
Vol5 Week 14 |
|
You can get seven per cent extra work output
from taking these tablets, so that's a big increase at this
end of sport. George Gregan on Australian players
taking caffeine tablets |
Vol5 Week 14 |
|
I told them (WP contracted players)
individually what I thought of their performances in the
Super 12 series, and believe me, I did not dish out a lot of
compliments. Nick Mallett, WP Director of rugby |
Vol5 Week 14 |
Son, in this world there are scrums, and
those scrums have to be manned by men called props.
Who's gonna do it? You? As a prop, I have a greater
responsibility than you can possibly fathom. We use words
like 'loose-head', 'blind side' and 'scrum pox'; we use
those words as the backbone of a life spent defending
something - you use them as a punchline.
You weep for your wingers and centres, and you curse the
prop. You have that luxury. You have the luxury of not
knowing what I know: that the front row, while grotesque and
incomprehensible to you, wins these games you play. Truth?
You can't handle the truth, because deep down in places you
don't talk about in your wingers ballet classes, you want me
in that scrum; you need me in that scrum.
I neither have the time nor inclination to explain myself to
a sissy back who manages to score on and off the field under
the very blanket of ball retention that I provide, and then
QUESTIONS the manner in which I provide it.
I would rather you just bought me a beer and a pie with
sauce and went on your way. Otherwise, I suggest you crawl
into that scrum and get dirty. Either way, I don't give a
damn!!!! Unknown author |
Vol5 Week 14 |
|
You can't play just with your forwards. We
have to create opportunities for the backline, and the best
way to do that is for the pack to get the ascendancy and
then create the space and opportunities for our dangerous
backs to do their stuff. Victor Matfield |
Vol5 Week 15 |
|
I can say a lot of things about the ref
(Steve Walsh) but it isn't really my style. We weren't good
enough on the evening and it wasn't meant to be.
Heyneke Meyer |
Vol5 Week 15 |
|
They were too classy. We had to hang onto the
ball and take it to the opposition. We tried to put them
under pressure but were never able to do it. They taught us
how to look after the ball and how to support the
ball-carrier. They lifted to another level. For us it was
not through a lack of trying and no-one gave up but we were
outclassed. Hurricanes coach Colin Cooper |
Vol5 Week 15 |
|
I am very, very upset and angry. All I was
trying to do was reach my son at the front of the audience
to take him on to the pitch with me to see my players being
presented with the cup. The security people and the police
did not understand and they were quite rough with me. They
took me to a small room and kept me there for more than 15
minutes. I calmed down and kept trying to tell them that I
was the Toulouse coach and what I had been trying to do.
Eventually, they understood. This experience has spoiled
what should have been one of the greatest days of my life. I
am upset, my family is upset and the Toulouse supporters are
upset. This kind of thing would not have happened in
France. Guy Noves, Toulouse coach |
Vol5 Week 15 |
|
We want to see how people handle this one-off
pressure because we need players who can step up to the mark
on the day. Clive Woodward |
Vol5 Week 15 |
|
We have to move on and not react either way.
It was a difficult game. Clive Woodward on the Lions
first outing against the Pumas |
Vol5 Week 15 |
|
We are not a project, we are a reality.
Marcello Loffreda, Pumas coach |
Vol5 Week 15 |
|
If that's how he plays after only two hours'
game-time in almost two years, look out! Grant Fox on
Jonny Wilkinson |
Vol5 Week 15 |
|
I know if we lose one game peole call us
chokers so if you lose two finals. I don't know what that
equates to. But obviously they are under a fair bit of
pressure in that respect. Ewen McKenzie on the
Crusaders' previous two losses in Super 12 finals. |
Vol5 Week 15 |
|
We won't beat them (Crusaders) if we play
like we did in the semifinal. Ewen McKenzie |
Vol5 Week 15 |
|
It's the greatest sporting event New Zealand
will have had in the last 20 years. As far as Tests in New
Zealand are concerned, the Lions and the Springboks were
always the ultimate. We only have the Lions left. Colin
Meads |
Vol5 Week 15 |
|
It is abundantly clear that this is the worst
Lions team to arrive in New Zealand that I can remember.
Laurie Mains |
Vol5 Week 16 |
|
The problem was we wanted to be bigger than
the game. Egos got involved from all of us. Mike
Stofile |
Vol5 Week 16 |
|
I've resigned unconditionally, if they ask me
to come back, I won't. Theunie Lategan |
Vol5 Week 16 |
|
I have had a long chat to him about the Super
12. I was straight with him. I have expectations of him and
he now has to deliver. Jake White on Joe van Niekerk |
Vol5 Week 16 |
|
It's the closest thing to a test match that
you'll encounter without a doubt. The intensity is up a
notch from a round-robin fixture - and similar to a Test
match as there is no next week. Robbie Deans on playing
a Super 12 final |
Vol5 Week 16 |
|
At the age of 29 it was a difficult decision
to retire from rugby, but the opportunity to work with Nick
mallett, who has so much experience, was something I could
simply not refuse. Louis Koen, new WP kicking coach |
Vol5 Week 16 |
|
We don't experiment with Test caps but we do
understand the importance of developing a strong squad of
talented players towards France in 2007. Eddie Jones |
Vol5 Week 16 |
|
South Africans, generally, don't know too
much about the French players. I can assure you this is no
understrength or second-string side. This is the best around
in France and this is the squad that is being moulded to
host the World Cup in 2007. Nick Mallett |
Vol5 Week 16 |
|
If any stuff happens in the game ... we'll
dish it out back to them. I'm expecting them [Lions] to be
pretty physical, so there's going to be a big contest up
front and you can't afford to take a backward step.
Wayne Ormond, Bay of Plenty captain |
Vol5 Week 16 |
|
It's robbed the tour of a personality, it's
robbed the tour of a great player. Although he's in the
opposition, I really feel for the bloke. Steve Hansen,
All Blacks forwards coach |
Vol5 Week 17 |
|
It wasn't that I was making myself
unavailable. I just wanted to make sure I was 100% committed
to play. I am proud to be an All Black and if given the
chance to play against the Lions they will get 100% out of
me. Justin Marshall |
Vol5 Week 17 |
|
The decision is purely financial. Kees
Lensing on his move to Leeds Tykes |
Vol5 Week 17 |
|
Reading a game is a skill that some do better
than others, but my work has shown that it's a trainable
skill. Dr. Sherylle Calder, visual skills coach |
Vol5 Week 17 |
|
The way he's recovered is a fantastic story.
It's going to be great to see the big guy again. Most guys
would have called it quits and just been happy to get well
again, but he wants to go on and do as much as he can. Who's
to say he can't do it? Carlos Spencer on Jonah Lomu |
Vol5 Week 17 |
|
The Lions are very special, the only major
tour left in rugby, even if it is just 11 games these days.
My gut feeling is that it will be close and well-contested,
but history is against the Lions - they have only won 10 per |
Vol5 Week 17 |
|
cent of internationals over here.
Colin Meads |
Vol5 Week 17 |
|
I enjoyed it. This was the stepping stone for
me. I'm starting again and I want to reach the top again.
You have to start from somewhere and this is the start for
me. I'm pleased with where I'm at but there's a long way to
go. Jonah Lomu |
Vol5 Week 17 |
|
I've never been surer that I'm doing the
right thing. I'm absolutely positive. I'll walk away and
won't be doing a George Foreman, although maybe I'll be
selling toasters in four years' time! Martin Johnson |
Vol5 Week 17 |
|
We are working on becoming much more
professional, but we are mostly students, with a couple of
lawyers, veterinarians and doctors thrown in.
Uruguay coach Sebastian Pineyrua |
Vol5 Week 17 |
|
I think we (Province and the Stormers) have
the potential to play just as well as the Crusaders. The
infrastructure is in place, there is a support base and the
number of talented players coming through the system from
schools and tertiary level is enormous. Kobus van der
Merwe, new WP backline coach |
Vol5 Week 17 |
|
The nice thing about all this is that we have
got a bit of competitive tension for selection. In some
positions, it's red hot. In other positions, it's warm. But
that's good. Eddie Jones. |
Vol5 Week 18 |
|
South Africans have forgotten what it is like
to win. When I was a young boy, winning was the norm. Jake
White |
Vol5 Week 18 |
|
We've got to use the hurt from this game and
make sure we don't feel it again. Brian O'Driscoll after
the Maori defeat. |
Vol5 Week 18 |
|
I know pretty clearly now where we are
heading and who the players are I need to see come in
now. Clive Woodward |
Vol5 Week 18 |
|
We are going to adopt the same philosophy as
we did in 2001 and that is to develop some young talent.
Bernard Laporte |
Vol5 Week 18 |
|
He got the surprise of his life. Jake
White when contacting Auckland Blues lock Greg Rawlinson to
join the Springbok squad |
Vol5 Week 18 |
|
I mean, if I do six good things and two bad
things, then it will be the two bad things that get all the
attention. All in all, it has been very disappointing.
Marius Joubert |
Vol5 Week 19 |
|
I don't aim to shine, if I do my job properly
I should not be noticed; as long as I get my backline over
the advantage line and into gaps. Jaco van der
Westhuyzen |
Vol5 Week 19 |
|
I believe that, conditioning-wise, we are
still behind other nations, not because of the structure but
because of the age of the players we have. Jake White |
Vol5 Week 19 |
|
It was awesome: there was an eerie silence
and I could feel the atmosphere. In hindsight, I should have
walked then. It would have been perfect. Louis Luyt on
the Springbok 1995 RWC triumph. |
Vol5 Week 19 |
|
I am beginning to wonder if Sir Clive
Woodward knows what he is doing, I want to be supportive of
the Lions. I want them to do to the All Blacks what we did
in 1971. But I just can't figure out what Woodward's plan is
- if there is a plan. JPR Williams |
Vol5 Week 19 |
|
We are definitely not scared of New Zealand.
We played them twice last year and learnt a lot. We are not
afraid anymore because we play them so often. The players
are more at ease now. Pieter de Villiers SA u/21 coach |
Vol5 Week 19 |
|
I wouldn't say there is anything political in
it, but I obviously do have to pick a team that is in the
interests of the nation as a whole. From my point of view,
given the guidelines, this is the strongest team I could
have picked. Jake White |
Vol5 Week 19 |
|
I guess we're expected to win, and win
playing the kind of rugby people are accustomed to seeing
from us, but speaking personally, I don't care how we win,
just so long as we do. Dan Carter |
Vol5 Week 19 |
|
He knows I support him as coach and I have
given him constant backing since his appointment. But as
president of SA Rugby Union I do answer to a variety of
stakeholders. And that is what I had to emphasise to the
coach. Brian van Rooyen |
Vol5 Week 19 |
|
Fourie du Preez is highly rated and not just
by me, but by lots of people, he is still my first choice.
This is about who is second best - it's either Ricky
Januarie or Bolla Conradie and it's about time to find
out. Jake White |
Vol5 Week 19 |
|
In my opinion, it is a pretty horrendous
tackle that has put Brian out for a long time. It took half
an hour to put his shoulder back in, and after watching it
he was pretty lucky, if we are honest. Clive
Woodward |
Vol5 Week 19 |
|
I am in no doubt whatever that it was
deliberate foul play, a double spearing. It was a cheap shot
which has put me out of the tour. Brian O'Driscoll |
Vol5 Week 19 |
|
It is an unbelievable honour for me to be
named captain for the rest of the Tour. And the New
Zealanders better understand I will be around a lot longer
than a couple of minutes. This is a squad of great players
with a lot of fight in them and we are going to put
disappointment behind us and show the world what we are made
of. Gareth Thomas |
Vol5 Week 19 |
|
I understand and accept that we need to meet
certain criteria, but we need to know what those criteria
are, and I need to be able to communicate it to the
players. Jake White |
Vol5 Week 19 |
|
The Lions proved what I have been saying
since they first touched down. They are the worst Lions team
to come here. In the first Test they were fortunate it
wasn't dry. If it had been it would have been a rout. The
Lions offered nothing on attack, but of more concern to
Clive - I refuse to call him Sir Clive because he just
doesn't strike me as a knight in shining armour - was the
way the All Blacks dominated the forward confrontations. He
did the Lions jersey a disservice by not giving his first 15
a run before the Test. I'm amazed by his 'spin'. As a coach
I put my credibility on the line whenever I spoke. That
honesty is important because the rugby public know what they
are looking at. Laurie Mains |
Vol5 Week 19 |
|
As a player Clive Woodward was mediocre - as
a coach, judging on his performance in the last few weeks,
you have to say he is less than that. JPR Williams |
Vol5 Week 19 |
|
They aren't shooting themselves because of
what has happened ... they realise that it was an accident.
We have just got to move on. Graham Henry on his
team's feeling towards the BOD incident. |
Vol5 Week 19 |
|
Clive is going to be remembered as the coach
who lost the Lions series after telling everyone it was
going to be the best prepared side, I don't necessarily
think they WEREN'T the best prepared side. So I don't think
he has pulled the wool over everyone's eyes in that area.
But I think he has got it wrong in the way he has used
Alastair Campbell. I think he would have been far better off
leaving him at home. Steve Hansen |
Vol5 Week 21 |
|
That was clearly wrong in my opinion. What
you want, is your Welshmen bunking with your Scots, your
Irish bunking with your English et cetera. That's how tours
are always done, isn't it, with room-mates? That's how a big
bunch of guys bonds together in a short space of time. I
think that was one of Clive's biggest mistakes. JPR
Williams |
Vol5 Week 21 |
|
I don't worry about (the future), I just
worry about winning. That's up to the coaches, they look 3-4
years down the track. As a captain I'm just about making
sure we get the performance on the day. Tana Umaga |
Vol5 Week 21 |
|
I don't have any thoughts about referees
other than they're fantastic, we're not going to comment on
any referees' decisions this year. For us the referee's not
part of the equation. Whatever the referee does on the field
we've got to be good enough to cope with it. There has to be
an acknowledgement along the lines they're refereeing the
hardest game in the world. Every time they have got to make
a decision, because we've got a good contest for the ball,
they are going to get some right and they are going to get
some wrong. Eddie Jones |
Vol5 Week 21 |
|
Yes, they (SARU) were elected but believe you
me, the real direction in sport in this country, and I don't
care who says what, does not come from the elected
officials, it comes from sponsors. Sport Minister
Makhenkesi Stofile |
Vol5 Week 21 |
|
Personally, I believe it has been a
successful trip. I’ve lost a lot of games (in his coaching
career), yet just because you lose, you haven’t got to be
down on yourself. I think from the Lions’ point of view,
behind the scenes, the players have been fantastic. In four
years’ time (South Africa), I look forward to seeing how my
successor will handle this. You have to juggle a lot of
things, but I have absolutely no regrets the way I have gone
about this trip. Clive Woodward |
Vol5 Week 21 |
|
I don’t intend to defend myself. We are who
we are and we made decisions. I wouldn’t change anything we
have done. Clive Woodward |
Vol5 Week 21 |
|
I wouldn't say they are a better team than us
but they are an outstanding team. Clive Woodward |
Vol5 Week 21 |
|
South Africa is a completely different kettle
of fish to every other Test-playing nation, so we have to
play well against South Africa, they defend in a very
different way than the French, they attack in a much
different way, they run through you, they don't run around
you. Eddie Jones |
Vol5 Week 21 |
|
If he [Bill Young] rocked up at Stellenbosch
[University] and said he played rugby, they'd send him to
the fourths and if he said he was a prop, they'd probably
send him straight to the seventh team. Jake White |
Vol5 Week 21 |
|
I don't know how many blokes play in World
Cup finals, win Bledisloe Cups, play in Tri Nations
championships, manage to retain the No.1 spot for over six
years, play over 40 Tests and can only make seventh grade in
Stellenbosch. But that's his opinion, that's fine and now
we'll see how things progress on Saturday night. I look
forward to the challenge against a few dinosaurs. Bill
Young |
Vol5 Week 21 |
|
Look at what Bill Young has done in
Australian rugby, having played in World Cup finals and won
Super 12 trophies. His achievements are unbelievable, and he
has definitely batted above his weight. But in South Africa,
where we have a perception you have to be big and strong to
be a prop forward, had he come along with his togs to a
training session, he probably would have been told to go to
the top field and train with the fourth grade. Jake
White again, explaining his earlier statement |
Vol5 Week 21 |
|
I'll let Jake make the sideshow this week.
Jake will do enough talking for both of us, so we'll just
worry about preparing well. Eddie Jones..... |
Vol5 Week 21 |
|
Larkham is an extraordinary player but he
isn't a great flyhalf. Scratch below the surface of the
man's aura and there is a tedious list of times when he's
cracked under pressure in Test matches. Naas Botha in
SA Rugby magazine |
Vol5 Week 21 |
|
I'm used to media pressure from New Zealand
and Australia, indeed I thrive on it which probably comes
from being English. You learn a lot about yourself and it's
very challenging. That's why I set up the tour the way I did
and I have no regrets. Clive Woodward finally
revealing the reason for the Lions' tour debacle... to learn
about and challenge himself... |
Vol5 Week 21 |
|
My gut feel was that the South Africans may
have their nose in front of the Australians at this point in
time. I just wonder what the significance of these two games
will be when it comes to the Tri-Nations. I think some teams
might be keeping their powder dry. I wouldn't read too much
into the [Sydney] result. Graham Henry |
Vol5 Week 21 |
|
You can think up a lot of excuses, but we are
not going to. We know our defence was bad and our tactical
game in the first half was not up to standard. You simply
can't miss that number of tackles at this level. Those are
things we will have to work on before the next Test.
De Wet Barry |
Vol5 Week 21 |
|
We were always going to make changes for this
test and it has nothing to do with the way we let ourselves
down with our tackling and kicking in Sydney. We will
obviously address those problems, which were disappointing
and times unforgivable, but there was no way we could have
got through a programme like the one facing us with the same
team. Jake White |
Vol5 Week 22 |
|
You would expect the match officials to see
these things. When the same team transgresses, there should
be a more detailed analysis. You see players suspended for
poor technique, but there are players who get away with
serious misdemeanours. Something will have to be done before
someone is seriously injured. John Mitchell on Springbok
foul play. |
Vol5 Week 22 |
|
We do not believe that buying a team is the
answer and we are trying to build a team from within.
Sharks coach, Dick Muir |
Vol5 Week 22 |
|
The main thing was their defence was so soft,
I mean really soft. They've been known as a very good
defensive team, and I thought they'd really bustle them in
defence so I was very surprised. Tiaan Strauss on the
Springboks effort in Sydney |
Vol5 Week 22 |
|
It's a ready-made excuse if they get beaten.
I mean, they're playing for a trophy named after one of the
founders of their new nation. It would seem peculiar to me
that they wouldn't be picking their best team. Eddie
Jones |
Vol5 Week 22 |
|
There is no crisis. The coaching staff
decided some time ago that the other players in the group
should also get time on the field. Some players have, for
the past few weeks, been holding up the tackle bags for
those who were playing. They should now get the opportunity
of playing themselves. Jake White |
Vol5 Week 22 |
|
He (Nelson Mandela) changed the history of
the world. And if we get to meet him, we're going to be
equally as excited as the South Africans. Eddie Jones |
Vol5 Week 22 |
|
Last year we weren't quite there and lost by
a point, but we've won the Grand Slam since then and are a
lot better side. The question is how much have the All
Blacks improved? Wales have had the same team together for
three or four years and only now are we hitting our straps.
Our way of playing didn't come overnight, but we seem to be
moving in the same direction as New Zealand and I can't wait
to get back at them. Wales lock, Brent Cockbain |
Vol5 Week 22 |
|
Today's announcement is a special one for me.
I said 18 months ago that there are black playrs who are
good enough to play for south africa. To pick a squad to
play against the wallabies containing 9 players makes me
feel very good. There might be times, though, when I pick 3
black players. I don't want to be asked when i have one
black player finishing the Test, because i am preparing a
squad for the world cup and that is my primary concern.
Jake White after his team selection for last Saturday. |
Vol5 Week 23 |
|
There are certain parameters in which a
player has to work and he can only do so much. I have said
often before that I believe what is happening off the field
(in terms of administration and politics) has a massive
impact on how the players perform. This is why we struggle
to become consistent. We have flashes where everything goes
well, but then it all collapses again. Until we sort out our
problems off the field we are going to struggle to be
consistently successful. Corne Krige |
Vol5 Week 23 |
|
We thought we were really well prepared -
everything we did in the lead-up to the game was good, the
warm-up was pretty sharp and then we get on the field and we
are on the back foot. It's just one of those mysteries.
Eddie Jones |
Vol5 Week 23 |
|
It was a huge change. If these two countries
had been race horses, I would have asked the stewards to
investigate why there had been such a huge shift. Bob
Dwyer |
Vol5 Week 23 |
|
We do not have curfews, but we do have team
standards, and we feel these team standards have been
breached. Phil Thomson, Wallaby Team Manager on the
discipline hearing of several Wallaby players. |
Vol5 Week 23 |
|
The scrum as far as I'm concerned is not
being properly refereed and not being managed within the
laws, so I'm going to keep talking about it until someone
listens. Jake White |
Vol5 Week 23 |
|
Generally speaking, New Zealanders are pretty
arrogant about their feelings about the All Blacks and think
they're the best team in the world, that's not the case,
especially since the game has gone professional.
Graham Henry |
Vol5 Week 23 |
|
My wife and I sat down and made some serious
decisions, we decided we couldn't stay in South Africa any
more. I had a complete lack of faith in the rugby system in
South Africa. My wife has been hurt so much by what happened
over there that I'm not convinced I want to immediately get
back into coaching but we'll see. Kevin Putt |
Vol5 Week 24 |
|
I don't think we're close to where we can be
as a team. I get excited every time we run out. Jake
White |
Vol5 Week 24 |
|
It's going to be absolutely huge. By
Kick-off, I am going to be beside myself. Taking on a
Springbok team on a roll at a sold-out Newlands is going to
be electrifying. We play because of these big occasions.
Byron Kelleher |
Vol5 Week 24 |
|
They just need to keep developing the pride
that has always been there, so that players just want to
represent the Springboks. Sean Fitzpatrick |
Vol5 Week 24 |
|
I analysed the Lions' tight phases and I
believe the were not well prepared. Gert Smal |
Vol5 Week 24 |
|
He (John Smit) has my full backing and I
think people should get off his back. Morne Du Plessis |
Vol5 Week 24 |
|
I have managed to fall back on the confidence
Jake shows in me as captain and in the team. I do not try
too hard to be a captain, but I do rely on the players to
back me up and the support I get makes my life easier.
John Smit |
Vol5 Week 24 |
|
The Loftus match was what we expected. It was
typical Tri Nations stuff. We thought the Boks might win and
they outlasted the Australians with a couple of useful goals
at the end. Yes, Australia did have a chance to close out
the match, but they didn't, did they? I think the Boks
showed good character to get on top in the second half
because the Wallabies were playing good rugby in that first
half. Graham Henry |
Vol5 Week 24 |
|
I don't think we would regard it as
disrespectful if opponents did turn their backs on us. For
an All Black the haka is about what we do before going into
battle and how we perform it. It is not about what others
might do. It is something special for us as All Blacks.
Sean Fitzpatrick |
Vol5 Week 25 |
|
They said the Lions didn't turn up for the
first Test. They certainly turned up for the second game.
The pressure just did not stop. It was intense and a lot was
off the ball. It became a tough job to keep perspective and
still let the players play. It would have been no good to
keep blowing the whistle. I had to find a balance between
keeping control and keeping the play going. Andrew
Cole, referee |
Vol5 Week 25 |
|
I want to stress that I find this lack of
support and continued criticism, of both the national team
and myself, by Mr Markgraaff unprofessional, very disturbing
and totally against the spirit of the game. Jake White
in a letter to SARU |
Vol5 Week 25 |
|
The Springboks snatched an astonishing
13-point lead in the first nine minutes and set out a marker
for the physical contest to come. Byron Kelleher was smashed
out of the game by Victor Matfield and high-octane tackles
proliferated. This was legalised violence. Peter
Bills |
Vol5 Week 25 |
|
I think we compliment each other very well,
Victor is brilliant in the line-outs and is an outstanding
athlete. He covers his ground well, is intelligent in all
that he does and makes some telling tackles. Compared to
him, I am much more of an in-your-face guy. I am probably
more involved in other areas, simply because it suits my
style of play. Bakkies Botha |
Vol5 Week 25 |
|
Rugby has been awesome to me and it is
something I will miss. I have been through both good and bad
times, but I loved every minute of my time in the
game. Robbie Fleck, retired |
Vol5 Week 25 |
|
I did not hit Byron with the forearm. I
connected him with my shoulder in going for the tackle.
That's the way the judiciary also saw it. It was not
malicious. I am not a malicious player and my track record
during my test career indicates this. Victor Matfield |
Vol5 Week 25 |
|
It is not necessarily a system that would
work for everyone. The principle is high risk. So you'd have
to have the players to implement. The system was pretty much
designed around defensively protecting the wingers in the
Bok team. We have quick wingers who are very good on attack,
but they're not the biggest and by using the press defence,
where you go up and in aggressively, you cut off the threat
of their big winger running at your smaller winger.
Nick Mallett on the SA rush defence |
Vol5 Week 25 |
|
David Giffin to Ali Williams in the 2003
Sydney test, 'Williams, I thought they brought you in to
help the f---ing lineout . . . you're making it go worse.'
Williams turned around and said: 'Yeah, but I've got seven
backs kicking your ar--, so it's going all right'. |
Vol5 Week 25 |
|
Yes, we've won one and drawn one in seven
years in Perth, but it certainly does not represent a
success story. Perth is still home to Australia. It is a
part of Australia and they remain the home team in Perth.
Jake White |
Vol5 Week 26 |
|
The experience I've had with the Wallabies,
it doesn't matter who's on the field, when you think they're
down, they come back and burn you, I guess 2003 [World Cup
semi-final] was a classic example. Richie McCaw. |
Vol5 Week 26 |
|
They'll be hurting after a couple of losses
over in South Africa so we're expecting a Wallaby team
that's the same as always, bloody tough. Richie McCaw. |
Vol5 Week 26 |
|
Quite rightly, I am the villain of the piece.
I had been on this rugby show in New Zealand to give my
opinion on the Springbok victory (at Newlands) last week.
When asked about the Kelleher incident, I suggested that the
tackle was not late. When pressed, I suggested that if they
were to look for any fault, the only question would be about
the 'steel plate' in his arm. This was a gaffe by me because
I meant to say 'fibreglass', not steel, which he wears as
protection for an old injury. The slip obviously has had a
huge impact. Thankfully it was immediately |
Vol5 Week 26 |
|
dismissed as laughable by both the Boks and
Kiwis and, quite rightly, the only person with egg on his
face is me. Apologies again. Kevin Putt |
Vol5 Week 26 |
|
We look forward to them giving each other a
good few 'klaps', while we relax with a quiet beer and watch
on the big screen. Jake White |
Vol5 Week 26 |
|
We've got two matches to go in the Tri
Nations tournament and this is the time when our coaching
staff needs our full support. And they are getting
it. ARU managing director Gary Flowers |
Vol5 Week 26 |
|
All I'm concerned about is coaching the side
as well as I can. When someone makes the decision that I'm
not the right person, I'll happily step aside. If someone
tells me I'm not in the job, I'm not going to sit in my seat
and not move. Eddie Jones |
Vol5 Week 26 |
|
I wasn't surprised by New Zealand's
performance and how they got up tonight, but I think it puts
our win last week in perspective because we have seen just
how good they are. They beat the Lions 3-0 and now have
recorded a convincing away win. Jake White |
Vol5 Week 26 |
|
I wouldn't want to play for England under the
current management because I don't believe they are right
for the team. What has happened is that Clive Woodward was
so good that they all still believe that is the right way to
go now. They have almost become clones of Clive in the way
they approach coaching. There are just no new ideas in
there. Austin Healey |
Vol5 Week 27 |
|
The thing that annoyed me most about playing
for England is when Clive used to say this is the best
coaching staff in the world. It almost became about the
coaches as opposed to the players. I think they need to get
away from that arrogance, take it on the chin, have a
meeting and say what we were doing was good at the time but
now we need to adapt and progress. It's very difficult when
you've been in a winning environment like that to develop
fresh ideas but they still truly believe they are right. We
need to go back to 2001 and bring passion back. Austin
Healey |
Vol5 Week 27 |
|
As a rugby spectacle, the Tri Nations is the
height, right now, of international rugby. The teams that
are playing are the best in the world. If you asked the
players to compare South Africa and Australia with the
recent Lions, there'll be no comparison. Graham Henry |
Vol5 Week 27 |
|
I think it gets easier and easier to lead
this team because of the consistency in selection, For the
last 18 months we have had consistency within the squad and
in the way we train. I have got to know the guys better and
better and it makes by job easier because I don't have to
manage so many different people all the time. Consistency is
a big factor in the improvement of this team and the longer
we carry on together the better things will get. John Smit |
Vol5 Week 27 |
|
We have restructured the contracts and made
them market-related and incentive driven. If a player
performs he earns. If he doesn't, we're not going to throw
cash at mediocrity. Nick Mallett, Director of Rugby at
WP. |
Vol5 Week 27 |
|
The team's confidence is up, and coach Dick
Muir has made some important changes to the way we operate.
He wants us to keep the ball in hand, play expansively, and
only kick when we really have to. But more importantly he
has been consistent with his team selection, and allowed the
team to gel and get to know each other. I really think that
is showing with every match we play. Henno Mentz |
Vol5 Week 27 |
|
Entertainment is a huge part of it. That is
the reason why I play the game, I love it so much. I get
excited about playing, and pulling off tricks and being
cheeky is a big part of my game. It always has been and
always will be until the day I give up. Carlos
Spencer |
Vol5 Week 27 |
|
Our defensive pattern is a bit risky because
we are in the face of the opponents all the time. We saw
both Australia and New Zealand try to kick behind us and
expose us that way in the last two tests. But that is where
the second part of our defensive plan kicks in, which is the
'scrambling' defence. All the players, especially the loose
trio, know that once the opposition has beaten the rush, or
put the ball in behind the rush, then they have to cover, or
scramble if you like. That's the secret for us because that
line has held beautifully as well. Alistair Coetzee |
Vol5 Week 27 |
|
We'd like to believe that the game is
evolving into a contest where size and strength are the key
elements because those have always been our strengths and if
it does go that way it will suite us. But whatever rules the
lawmakers have decided for the current way the game is
played we must make sure that we adapt and play according to
them. Is it favouring us? I think rugby union is favouring
teams that can play to the way the laws have been
made. Jake White |
Vol5 Week 27 |
|
I have never gone to a match where South
Africa have played New Zealand because I don't know what
will happen... whom I will support. SA Sports
Minister, Makhenkesi Stofile |
Vol5 Week 27 |
|
That was some sort of a test match, period.
It was brutal. It was breath-taking. It was dramatic. And,
even better, it ended with an Australian team losing a
heart-breaker. New Zealand rugby writer Marc Hinton |
Vol5 Week 27 |
|
The French are a lot more relaxed and a
little bit less obsessed with nutrition and diets - they're
not |
Vol5 Week 27 |
|
over-coached, they just like to play.
Hopefully, one thing I can influence this year is that the
players won't be over-coached or obsessed and that they can
go out there and show their natural talent and enjoy
themselves as much as possible in a high-pressure
environment. Richard Cockerill, new Leicester Tigers
coach |
Vol5 Week 27 |
|
Low possession is a bit of a trend for the
Springboks, but it's just the way they play the game. It is
different to us and Australia, which is great because it's
another style of game. They kick a lot more often than we do
to gain territory and then put pressure on the lineouts and
therefore they don't have the same possession because they
don't want to keep the ball in hand. They rely on the
opposition turning the ball over and then they score tries
from mistakes. It's not a bad policy as it has been working
for them. Why change? They could have more possession but
they make a decision not to keep the ball in hand. Stats
only reflect how the game is played, not what happens with
the ball. Graham Henry |
Vol5 Week 27 |
|
I think out of the original 35 players we
had, we have 12 injured and a few in the extended squad who
are injured as well, so it's a real test of Australia's
depth. Eddie Jones |
Vol5 Week 28 |
|
With front rankers you can never really tell.
The one week you are up the second you are down, it's just a
matter of how well you concentrate and how much better you
concentrate than your opposition. Os Du Randt |
Vol5 Week 28 |
|
South Africa now are as powerful as any team
in the world and I think they're like us. Each may have an
occasional lean spell but we soon bounce back because of the
fervour the game creates in our countries. Matches between
us are always big and national pride will always be there.
South Africa used to have Doc Craven to come out and wave to
the crowd, now it is Nelson Mandela! Colin Meads |
Vol5 Week 28 |
|
When you border on the offside line you also
border on the onside line. We just border on the onside
line. Jake White |
Vol5 Week 28 |
|
We built ourselves an opportunity of going to
No 1 in the world, but we wasted that opportunity on
Saturday. The loss was way too similar to Christchurch in
that we let ourselves down in key areas of composure. We
were not cut-throat enough once we were ahead and maybe
should have been more aggressive. We need to use the ball
better and put the opposition under more pressure when we're
in front. John Smit |
Vol5 Week 28 |
|
I think it is a cheap shot at Smittie and at
the Boks, but it does not surprise me that it has come in
the Australian media. I mean, there's a lot of the squad
out, everyone's enjoying themselves, but these guys point
out the captain and accuse him of racist comments. Jake
White on the alleged racial slur from John Smit |
Vol5 Week 28 |
|
Television is changing so much in the game.
Little men are not around too much in rugby now and that's a
worrying trend because it was always stated that rugby was
for everyone; big, small, fast, slow, fat and thin. There
was a position for everyone. Colin Meads |
Vol5 Week 28 |
|
Rugby is in a really negative spiral at the
moment where the game is rewarding negativity at the tackle
contest. There is no reward at all for trying to play rugby.
We're a side that actually tries to play rugby and we're not
being encouraged to play. We're firm in our conviction that
we want to play rugby. We can always go back and play a
negative style of rugby. That's easy. I could coach a side
in 12 days to play that sort of rugby. Eddie Jones |
Vol5 Week 28 |
|
I bring a touch of the unknown to myself, let
alone what I bring to them (All Blacks). I might play
[badly] and get hooked after 10 minutes, but we might go out
and win the game. There's nothing to lose. Matt Rogers |
Vol5 Week 29 |
|
You can't afford to not be in the contest. If
one team is diving in and securing ball, or killing ball,
and you're not and they're not getting penalised for it then
you can't stand back and let it happen and that's when it
becomes a bit of a dog fight. Wayne Smith |
Vol5 Week 29 |
|
The trick for us to go forward now is finding
players who are going to be better than what we've got at
the moment because clearly the players we've got aren't good
enough. Eddie Jones |
Vol5 Week 29 |
|
Like all the other players we've got two
weeks off. I'll use that for a mental break, I can control
what happens over the next fortnight, but I can't control
what happens after that. George Gregan |
Vol5 Week 29 |
|
Joe (van Niekerk) has not yet played the type
of rugby for either Province or the Stormers he plays when
wearing the Bok jersey. He realises he will get the
opportunity on Saturday to silence his critics in the
Western Cape. Kobus van der Merwe |
Vol5 Week 29 |
|
Hell man, the Sharks are playing much better
'Free State rugby' that we are. If we had played them at our
usual game they would have sorted us out. They have some
very dangerous young backs and we felt that keeping the game
tight was the way to go. Rassie Erasmus |
Vol5 Week 29 |
|
Every single day there are issues. There is
not a week that goes by without the organization being
plagued by in-fighting and it tears you apart. And, as much
as the staff try to keep independent of the politics and
backstabbing, you are forced to chose sides. Johan
Prinsloo, chief executive of the South African Rugby Union
(SARU) |
Vol5 Week 31 |
|
We have applied to host the Rugby World Cup
in 2011, and we must be able to reassure the international
rugby community that South Africa is capable of doing things
right. Sports Minister Makhenkesi Stofile |
Vol5 Week 31 |
|
There is huge emotion and pressure with the
Springboks. It's nice to be back, to be able to make coffee,
have breakfast and crack eggs - even if they don't come out
that nicely - in your own home. Schalk Burger |
Vol5 Week 31 |
|
Any team would have lost against the Bulls on
Saturday. We were totally outmuscled, very poor in the
lineouts and under pressure at the breakdowns. Kobus
van der Merwe, WP coach |
Vol5 Week 31 |
|
There have been comparisons in the rugby
media between Brian van Rooyen, the embattled president of
SA Rugby, and Mugabe. Such comparisons are baseless: one is
an autocratic dictator, ruling with no accountability and
complete disregard for due process, and the other is the
president of Zimbabwe. Dan Nicholl |
Vol5 Week 31 |
|
I'll just say what comes to me, I'm not going
to suddenly turn into Winston Churchill now that I'm the
captain. Schalk Burger on captaining WP |
Vol5 Week 31 |
|
The size of a country should not preclude a
country like New Zealand or Wales, for that matter from
getting the World Cup. The IRB has to be careful they don't
develop a view that the World Cup can only be held in three
or four countries. That would not be good for the
game. David Moffett, the Welsh Rugby Union's chief
executive |
Vol5 Week 32 |
|
We had several young men in the team and I
thought, 'we are teaching them that this is what it is to be
an All Black to drink a lot of booze'. Anton Oliver
in a new autobiography |
Vol5 Week 32 |
|
The essence of international coaching is that
you are not a club coach, you can't have the same amount of
time. You have to be very clear in objectives, gameplan and
tactics. Build up the core understanding, core thinking,
core players that generate the momentum, so when the team
comes together it is not always starting from square
one. Ian McGeechan |
Vol5 Week 32 |
|
The scrum is a huge psychological area in the
French game, and it's rare that you win if you don't go well
there. It's about attitude and passion, something in the
blood. It's macho, a trial of strength. When it's time to
scrum, everyone gives it everything. There's no magic
formula, you just do it. Perry Freshwater, new
England prop |
Vol5 Week 32 |
|
It's a shame that there is no more rugby for
about 6 months, but the Cape Town summer and babes will do
for now. UCTRFC web report on the victory over
Stellenbosch University |
Vol5 Week 32 |
|
Personally I think I'm playing pretty well,
and I'm coming to grips with the style of game that's being
played over here. My biggest challenge when I got over here
was getting to know how different teams and different
individuals play, and I'll be a lot better for the three
games I've played so far. It's only once you get out there
and get a feeling for the way the players play that you can
learn. Justin Marshall at Leeds |
Vol5 Week 32 |
|
I am very excited, and look forward to
assisting Sharks coach Dick Muir, and Sharks CEO Brian van
Zyl, and the Sharks Rugby Union. I am delighted to be home,
as my family are all settled here. Rudolf Straeuli |
Vol5 Week 32 |
|
Physically, I know I still have a lot to
offer England, so in many ways this was a hard decision for
me to make. I didn't want to let Andy or any of the England
guys down, but the pull of my family proved greater. The
time has arrived to put my family and my wife before the
England team. My children want their Daddy, not some
so-called superstar. Jason Robinson upon announcing
his retirement |
Vol5 Week 32 |
|
It would be presumptuous of me to think I
could just come back and play for England, I can't just say,
'I want to play another game'. You have got to make a
long-term commitment and the next stage is the World Cup in
2007. We will see what happens but I can't make that sort of
decision until I am back on a rugby pitch playing for
Wasps. Lawrence Dallaglio |
Vol5 Week 33 |
|
I would not have put myself through the week
I have just been through if I was considering retirement.
Retirement is something that is always around the corner. I
am not starting my career, I am aware of that, but it is not
something I have not faced in terms of setting time aside
for it. I am aware of what I have to do to make a decision
at the time. George Gregan |
Vol5 Week 33 |
|
We simply told them the truth. There is no
money at present to contract any players. While we have
managed to meet our current financial obligations, we do not
have any guarantees that we will have money to contract
players for next year. It was the honourable thing to inform
the players of the state of affairs and allow them to make
their own decisions, whether they want to leave or not.
Barend van Graan, the chairman of Eastern Province Rugby
(Pty) Ltd |
Vol5 Week 33 |
|
It's not a bad thing to go to South Africa
first, traditionally you'd rather catch the South African
teams early on. Brumbies coach Laurie Fisher on the Super 14
draw |
Vol5 Week 33 |
|
In Australia it seems you've got to be in
that little inner circle to get a coaching job, maybe it
helps if you want to be a yes man. Perhaps that improves
your chances of getting selected. David Campese |
Vol5 Week 33 |
|
I have been approached by the sponsors of SA
Rugby to represent them on the board. We are still having
discussions and, if and when there is finality, an
appropriate announcement will be made by the sponsors.
Dr Ali Bacher |
Vol5 Week 33 |
|
I don't go out there to do things illegally.
I know what I'm doing at the breakdown and do things to win
the ball back. Richie McCaw |
Vol5 Week 33 |
|
I hope all the new guys have got tucked away
somewhere a piece of paper which says that their goal for
this tour is to make the Test squad. Eddie Jones |
Vol5 Week 34 |
|
I have unfinished business with international
rugby. I have never shirked a challenge or gone into
anything half-heartedly before, and I don't intend starting
now. Jonah Lomu |
Vol5 Week 34 |
|
Sorry boys, I'm very camera shy . But this
has all been so awesome, awesome, awesome. New Wallaby
flanker, Leroy Houston |
Vol5 Week 34 |
|
We proved our capability, both operationally
and in terms of infrastructure ... even though it is a
significant expansion on the Lions, we are confident we will
be in good shape. New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive
Chris Moller |
Vol5 Week 34 |
|
Stade Français became the first team to
defeat Toulouse since the Top 16 semi-final between the two
teams last May, winning 29-15 on a magnificent night in
front of 79,454 people in the Stade de France on Saturday.
Match report. |
Vol5 Week 34 |
|
Rugby is a Greek game, it is fast, it is
physical, it needs strong minds and bodies. It is perfectly
suited to the Greek character. Greek Sports Minister
George Orfanos |
Vol5 Week 34 |
|
As I was on the ground, (Brian) O'Driscoll
came in and tried to 'jackal' me - a term we use to mean
stealing the ball from your opponent on the ground but
instead of trying to rip the ball clear of my grasp, he also
decided to |
Vol5 Week 34 |
|
pull my hair and tried to gouge my eye for
good measure, saying: 'How do you like that, you cocky
little f***er? Gavin Henson |
Vol5 Week 34 |
|
No one is giving us a chance, but I believe
we can win, we know what to expect of the Bulls, because
they don't have any secrets. Naka Drotske |
Vol5 Week 34 |
|
Rassie (Erasmus) has made a huge impression
in his first season as Cheetahs coach. He showed, among
other things, one doesn't need big names to qualify for the
final. Jake White |
Vol5 Week 34 |
|
New Zealand are lucky they have natural
ball-runners, we don't probably have many natural
ball-runners, so we have to work hard at improving that
skill in terms of ball-running. Eddie Jones |
Vol5 Week 35 |
|
The atmosphere at Western Province just
wasn't good for a youngster wanting to play rugby. There was
an atmosphere of fear in that dressing room this season. No
one in that team can go against Mallett. Players can't speak
out or say what's worrying them. They're all afraid of
him. Enver Rose |
Vol5 Week 35 |
|
I can't do anything about it if these players
are scared of me. You may not like what you hear, but I have
never been unapproachable. Nick Mallett |
Vol5 Week 35 |
|
I cannot believe that it is a year already,
the time as a coach seems to fly by a lot quicker than when
you are a player. I feel I have answered those who said that
I was too young and not ready. I believe you either know
this game or you don't. The players know if you know your
stuff, and that is what is important. Rassie Erasmus |
Vol5 Week 35 |
|
I wouldn't say we have mediocre players,
because we are not a mediocre team, but we do not have all
the big name Boks like some other provinces do. That has
been what has been most rewarding for me this season.
Getting to where we are without a team of stars has been a
huge challenge, and meeting that challenge has been
fulfilling. Rassie Erasmus |
Vol5 Week 35 |
|
I haven't thought of it like this - that I've
already won the World Cup and the Tri-Nations. I did know,
however, that it was possibly my last chance to win the
Currie Cup. I was very emotional. Os Du Randt |
Vol5 Week 35 |
|
I've never seen Os so emotional. He cried
like a baby. It just showed you how the guys played for one
another. Rassie Erasmus |
Vol5 Week 35 |
|
The best team won. There are no sour grapes,
we must pick our heads up and take it on the chin. Heyneke
Meyer |
Vol5 Week 35 |
|
Then, and I still can't believe this, the
nurse asked me if she could have my Lions shirt! Mother of
God, what was she thinking? I've been speared off the
blo-ody pitch after just 40 seconds of a test series and she
wants the shirt off my back as well. What is wrong with this
blo-ody country? Just start treating me like a human being,
will you! Brian O'Driscoll in his Lion's tour diary |
Vol5 Week 36 |
|
I think they (players) realised that we just
can't afford to offer contracts to a large group, because we
don't have enough money. You have to be realistic about
these matters. A senior SA Rugby official |
Vol5 Week 36 |
|
We don't play for bonus points. If you lose,
it's the end of the story and if you win, one point is more
than enough. A penalty kick in Europe, as a matter of fact,
is nearly just as valuable as a try, because the outcome of
matches is often decided by kicks. It's very similar to the
knock-out rounds in the RWC tournament, where it's just
about winning or losing. I consider this tour a good trial
run for the RWC (to be decided in France). Jake White |
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It would liberate the game and, if we are
going to be a global sport, how we can ignore Asia, with
two-thirds of the world's population, is beyond me.
Bob Dwyer fears Japan may not get to host RWC 2011 |
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We have never done anything like this before
in terms of shifting our Sunday service to make way for
anything - let alone the rugby. Pastor Russell
Embling from the Greerton Bible Church in the North Island
coastal town of Tauranga on moving sermons for All Black
tour matches on a Sunday morning |
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When I told Meyer (Bosman) that he was going
on tour with us, both he and his father burst into tears.
This just summed up how important it is for players to be a
part of this team. Jake White |
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The direction of the All Blacks that we've
created since last year's tour is about getting along with
one another for the best of the team, and to grow the team
rather than looking at the individual aspect and saying:
'That's my position'. As long as you say 'this is my jersey'
it's a more selfish thing. Byron Kelleher |
Vol5 Week 36 |
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I made several terrible mistakes. They were
not only dangerous, but dumb, because they made the English
team see red and they skinned us. I either went in boots or
head first into the rucks in that Test. I didn't worry about
my or anyone else's safety. I think you can safely say I
lost reason and lost it totally. Corne Krige in his book |
Vol5 Week 37 |
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The French are going to be physical, play
with the ball off the ground and we're prepared for that.
They are strong at the set piece and we've already seen that
they like to maul the ball as much as possible. We've got to
be physical, out-muscle them and then use our skill.
Eddie Jones |
Vol5 Week 37 |
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We know that the South Africans are faster
and stronger, therefore I believe that it will be vital for
us to try to surprise them on attack. Felipe Contepomi |
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Win, win, win and win again is our only goal
this month, we now need to build a foundation of wins which
will give us a well of confidence. Fabien Pelous |
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Keep an eye on Dimitri Szarzewski - the man
with a Bond villain's name and a Bond girl's mane. Andy
Jackson |
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I felt Jean was extremely unlucky. He managed
to get hold of the player's ankle, and this prevented him |
Vol5 Week 37 |
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from falling on his head down a drop along
the side of the advertising boarding, the ground there was
very hard, like concrete, so a serious injury could have
been done to him had he landed on his head. He could have |
Vol5 Week 37 |
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broken his neck or even died. I think he knew
that too for the players tell me he was screaming like a
distressed pig. Jake White |
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We expect this week's team to be as strong as
last week's, our goal is to have two or more players at
every position who are proven at the international level. We
are developing strength in numbers. Graham Henry after
making 15 changes to the All Blacks side against Ireland. |
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Eddie's got a contract until 2007 ... but
we'll sit down and have a review when the tour comes
back. Gary Flowers, ARU chief executive |
Vol5 Week 37 |
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At the moment, Australia have a pair of
flying second rows and a fast back row, but they are
predictable. Matt Giteau and Mat Rogers attack the line but
they don't have that smoothness that sets Stephen Larkham
apart. Thomas Castaignede |
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All I want now is to forget about it, the
book's out there, there's nothing more I can do about
that. Gavin Henson, on comments in his book. |
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The most disappointing thing is that we know
we are better than this. We are performing at training the
best I have ever seen any Australia squad train. We have
some of the most talented individuals in world rugby in one
team and it is small things that are losing us test matches.
Behind all the frustration there is a lot of confidence,
there is a belief we are not that far off. We could easily
click. Chris Latham |
Vol5 Week 38 |
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This autumn we have to lay down a marker so
the rest of the world remembers what English rugby is all
bout. We have to develop very, very quickly because we only
have 18 months. At the moment, I don't think its too out of
order for me to say that we wouldn't be winning the World
Cup, so we have got a lot of work to do in the next 18
months, that's for sure. Matt Dawson |
Vol5 Week 38 |
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I do wake up in the middle of the night
wondering whether we are putting the right cards on the
table in some or other aspect of our presentation.
Francois Pienaar |
Vol5 Week 38 |
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We're going through a learning curve in
professional rugby and no one has any exit strategies for
players. These guys are highly paid, they're not going to
roll over and give up their income, they're going to stay as
long as they can. David Nucifora |
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We certainly weren't up to it today, I'm
enormously concerned. It was quite evident there was not
only a size factor but a technique factor as well.
Eddie Jones |
Vol5 Week 38 |
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Scotland have some very good players, and in
the ruck situation they were much better than South Africa,
there is no doubt about that. Against South Africa I think
we only lost two or three balls in the contact area, and
they have Schalk Burger - one of the best back row players
in the world. Agustín Pichot |
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It's important that the whole team
understands it's not their right to play. Players must
appreciate that there is accountability and responsibility
when they are picked. It is a honour and a privilege.
Jake White |
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I categorically say that England are not
involved in any way in terms of espionage. It is not true,
so we move on. The game is going to be won this weekend on
the pitch, so that is the key for us. Andy Robinson |
Vol5 Week 38 |
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New Zealand fans will be over the moon. There
are four million people in New Zealand and every one of them
feels they have a share of the All Blacks. They love their
rugby union and will do everything to make sure the event is
one to remember. Sean Fitzpatrick |
Vol5 Week 39 |
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You have to play well enough but I will be
playing Super 14 next year and if the selectors see fit,
Test football as well. I still feel I am contributing and
still enjoying it. It's a new season jn 2006 and a new
start, so I'll start afresh. George Gregan |
Vol5 Week 39 |
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It'd have to rate right up there for us.
There's been a lot of talk about the scrum and we're very
happy with how it went, Carl scrummed amazingly for the size
of the man he was against. He was technically sound and I
take my hat off to him. Kevin Mealamu |
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The whole team played really well. The key
for us was to get in the faces of New Zealand and the
defensive |
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effort was absolutely immense. We are
disappointed but I think the courage and passion the team
showed throughout was massive. We did match New Zealand
throughout the whole match. Andy Robinson |
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To me it's like the underarm incident - it'll
go away, but it's so unnecessary ... It's not helped the
sentiment between the two countries. The New Zealand Rugby
Union believed if they didn't win this time they |
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might never win it. Not being able to count
on your partner (Australia), I think, is very
disappointing. Rod McGeoch, an Australian on the NZ RWC
bid committee on Aus voting for Japan |
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Quotas are no longer part of our
requirements, however, it is expected of each Province to
take serious cognisance of the issue of representativity of
players on the field of play, to support our |
Vol5 Week 39 |
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broader transformation objectives. These
objectives are in line with the ethos in the country that
supports inclusivity. This will be closely monitored while
we are awaiting the finalisation of the Transformation
Charter, which will have clearer guidelines and
scorecards. SARU |
Vol5 Week 39 |
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If the haka and its correctness arouses so
much sensitivity and acrimony, perhaps it is time, sadly, to
disregard it altogether. Gerald Davies |
Vol5 Week 39 |
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I must congratulate Jake and the Boks for how
they've turned South African rugby around. I know I was
critical of Jake's appointment at the time, but I must admit
I was wrong about him. He's done extremely well, is always
calm and sticks to his decisions. He doesn't allow the
pressures of the job to sidetrack him and he deserves
everything that comes his way. Corne Krige |
Vol5 Week 39 |
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Trust me, being captain of the Boks is not
any easy job. John's a great captain and the right man for
the job. He's a superb leader and a very good player. You
won't believe how many things a Bok captain has to think
about, on and off the field. He's handling it
superbly. Corne Krige |
Vol5 Week 39 |
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The failure was not the front row, the
failure was coaching. And there's no such thing as a front
row in rugby, there's a pack, and the pack were very loose
and they exerted no pressure and there was no timing and it
was very hard for the props and the hooker. Alan
Jones |
Vol5 Week 39 |
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We're at the crossroads, and shortly, if not
now, the issue is the board of Australian Rugby. Are they
going to preside over this, are they going to continue with
it and pretend there's not a problem? There's a major
problem here. Eddie Jones has had his go, he's done his
best, and his best now is not good enough. Alan Jones |
Vol5 Week 39 |
