”I wish I could have given more today. International rugby is getting faster and faster and I’m getting slower and slower. It’s getting to the point where it’s not enough.” – Emotional Canada captain Al Charron, having battled back from knee surgery just over four months ago to play in his fourth World Cup, speaks candidly after his side’s 41-10 opening defeat against Wales.
”We’re still the underdogs.” – Canada coach David Clark after the Wales defeat being asked what his team’s chances were against the mighty New Zealand on Friday.
”Are you disappointed with Georgia? That’s all. We did everything we could, for today.” – defiant Georgia Coach Claude Saurel to applause from journalists at the end of his press conference following the 84-6 loss to England.
”The wickets in Western Australia are pretty bouncy so I’ll let that one go through to the keeper” – Australia coach Eddie Jones declines to rise to the bait after England’s Clive Woodward in Perth accused the Wallabies of illegal tactics.
”I think if you wrap him up in cotton wool and take him away from the tough stuff around the ruck area you’re just wasting your time really. Fabien’s got to be in there, he’s got to be doing his tackling, he’s got to be prompting the forwards, he’s got to be at the coal face all the time. And that’s where you get the best out of him.” – France defensive coach Dave Ellis on how to maximise the talents of gritty French scrum-half and skipper Fabien Galthie.
”We’re aspiring to be the No 1 football code in New South Wales and Queensland and the No 2 to AFL in Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory,” Australian rugby chief John O’Neill on his post World Cup plans for rugby union in the battle with rugby league and Australian Rules for the hearts of Australian sports fans. – Sapa-AFP