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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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There is no place for Africans in SA Rugby, in administration or on the field.      Mike Stofile Vol5 Week 1
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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
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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
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In essence it will be my job to take on all rugby decisions in Western Province.       Nick Mallett Vol5 Week 1
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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
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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
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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
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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
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I'm not a homosexual but I realise now that I loved Clive Woodward.        Bernard Laporte Vol5 Week 2
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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
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We created a victory.              Dave Ellis, French defensive coach... Vol5 Week 2
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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After 621 Super 12 games, the competition has produced 3793 tries at an average of more than six a match. Vol5 Week 3
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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It was great, that is a night we will really enjoy for some time.       Chester Williams. Vol5 Week 4
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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
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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
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I want to speak to the IRB about it. I think only one side was refereed.       Andy Robinson Vol5 Week 4
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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I do not like it when age is mentioned. If the guy is good enough, he should play.        Marius Hurter Vol5 Week 5
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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
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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
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They are big and angry. I know that about them.       David Fitter, new Brumbies prop on the Bulls forwards Vol5 Week 5
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I don't think Andy said anything any team official wouldn't have said.         Clive Woodward Vol5 Week 5
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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
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I don't know what to make of the Sharks.       Nick Mallett Vol5 Week 5
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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
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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
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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
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I don't expect to win the game by a mile.       Andy Robinson re England's game against Italy Vol5 Week 5
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Only players good enough should earn millions a year.        Naas Botha Vol5 Week 6
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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The Sharks need a Freddy Kruger at flyhalf, instead they've got Herkie Kruger.        Dave Waterston Vol5 Week 7
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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
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It is unacceptable to concede tries from first phase moves at Super 12 level.      Luke Watson Vol5 Week 7
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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'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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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We are nice guys and they (the referees) go for us.    De Wet Barry Vol5 Week 9
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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You feel when you at the ground (Canberra Stadium) that you are destined to play well.      ACT coach Laurie Fisher Vol5 Week 10
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 coach) is selling a great story.     Jeff Miller, Reds coach Vol5 Week 11
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.     Peter Jooste again. Vol5 Week 12
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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I wouldn't say they are a better team than us but they are an outstanding team.       Clive Woodward Vol5 Week 21
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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I analysed the Lions' tight phases and I believe the were not well prepared.        Gert Smal Vol5 Week 24
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He (John Smit) has my full backing and I think people should get off his back.       Morne Du Plessis Vol5 Week 24
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Sorry boys, I'm very camera shy . But this has all been so awesome, awesome, awesome. New Wallaby flanker, Leroy Houston Vol5 Week 34
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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
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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
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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
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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 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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 Vol5 Week 36
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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 Vol5 Week 36
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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 Vol5 Week 36
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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 Vol5 Week 36
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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 Vol5 Week 37
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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 Vol5 Week 37
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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 Vol5 Week 37
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I felt Jean was extremely unlucky. He managed to get hold of the player's ankle, and this prevented him 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 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 Vol5 Week 37
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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. Vol5 Week 37
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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 Vol5 Week 37
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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. Vol5 Week 37
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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 Vol5 Week 38
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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 Vol5 Week 38
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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 Vol5 Week 38
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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 Vol5 Week 39
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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 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 Vol5 Week 39
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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 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 Vol5 Week 39
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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 roader 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

Back to the top
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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We are not a project, we are a reality.      Marcello Loffreda, Pumas coach Vol5 Week 15
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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
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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
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We won't beat them (Crusaders) if we play like we did in the semifinal.       Ewen McKenzie Vol5 Week 15
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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
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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
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The problem was we wanted to be bigger than the game. Egos got involved from all of us.      Mike Stofile Vol5 Week 16
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I've resigned unconditionally, if they ask me to come back, I won't.     Theunie Lategan Vol5 Week 16
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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The decision is purely financial.        Kees Lensing on his move to Leeds Tykes Vol5 Week 17
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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He got the surprise of his life.        Jake White when contacting Auckland Blues lock Greg Rawlinson to join the Springbok squad Vol5 Week 18
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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The French are a lot more relaxed and a little bit less obsessed with nutrition and diets - they're not 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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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