To be honest, it was embarrassing... the players understood the importance of this game ...but, yet again, we were our own worst enemies.
~ Stormers coach Allister Coetzee ~
"I have never had a problem with any person in our rugby squad. Since this report surfaced I have had nothing but support from my teammates of all cultures. This is a lesson that younger players in our squad can learn - when a team is struggling with form then you become an easy target."
~ Keegan Daniel ~
A lot of credit must go to the crowd - we got absolutely pumped last week (by the Waratahs) and to see this crowd (18,500) here -- it's thanks to the supporters for turning up. We really appreciate the support."
~ Luke Watson ~
We've sent four to five guys home already and it's only halfway through the tour.
~ Sharks coach John Plumtree ~
Failure is not getting knocked down. It is about not getting up.
~ Kings director of rugby Alan Solomons ~
Clubs from outside are making offers worth millions of Rands which will make it very tough for us to keep Willie le Roux.
~ Griquas CEO Arni van Rooyen ~
Bryan's charge-down (of the conversion) was obviously a big moment. I haven't seen that done in rugby in a long time...
~ Stormers coach Allister Coetzee ~
Losing experienced players to overseas teams is not ideal, but it's their right to further their careers abroad.
~ Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer ~
I believe in loyalty but there's times when you can't trust anyone.
~ Reds wing Digby Ioane ~
I guess when you start winning it becomes a habit.
~ Cheetahs coach Naka Drotske ~
A lot of our inspiration and motivation is internally driven by the team.
~ Kings captain Luke Watson ~
South Africa is lagging far behind the rest of the world in breakdown play.
~ Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer ~
The players led the way in terms of critiquing themselves and making the decision that they wanted it to be a lot better this week.
~ Force Head Coach Michael Foley ~
History counts for nothing in this one, so past performances will have no bearing on this clash.
~ Bulls captain Pierre Spies ~
We won't make any excuses, but now every week is a must-win for us.
~ Stormers skipper Jean de Villiers ~
The evidence of doping in rugby is in front of our eyes but no one's interested
~ Former France prop Laurent Benezech ~
We've seen how well the Crusaders did their homework and we know that we can expect the same from the Cheetahs.
~ Stormers coach Allister Coetzee ~
We have three games before touring and there are some targets set, we also have to look at bonus points along the line.
~ Sharks assistant coach Hugh Reece-Edwards ~
It was clearly offside, definitely, we just looked at it. But that’s life...
~ Bulls coach Frans Ludeke ~
He will remain in hospital for the next 14 days and where after it will be at least another six weeks before he will be fit for playing.
~ Statement regarding Schalk Burger ~
I'm a little tired. I want things to be clear. I need a quick answer. I came to play Super Rugby, not to make money or anything.
~ Kings hooker Virgile Lacombe ~
That's not the way we wanted to end the tour, but I can't take much away from the Stormers... they played some quality rugby
~ Brumbies coach Jake White ~
The idea will be to play a high tempo ball in hand game that asks questions of the opposing defence.
~ Brumbies coach Jake White ~
Jake is South African and he knows the importance of collisions and he has a good understanding of our psyche.
~ Stormers coach Allister Coetzee ~
Slowly my players are understanding what I've been saying to them. Rugby is massive in South Africa and players take it deadly seriously.
~ Brumbies coach Jake White ~
The most important thing for us is to improve week after week.
~ Kings stand-in skipper Steven Sykes ~
We can't afford to consider the fact the Crusaders might not be the team they once were. It is when you start believing things like that, where you get yourself in trouble.
~ Bulls coach Frans Ludeke ~
Of course he's a very good coach, I mean you don't win the World Cup if you're not a good coach.
~ Jannie du Plessis on Jake White ~
Keegan (Daniel) trained really hard with us this morning and hopefully he'll be able to return this week, which will ease a little bit of the pain
~ Sharks coach John Plumtree ~
When you lose a Springbok and a quality player like Bryan (Habana) it's never an ideal situation, but we're getting Jaco Taute back.
~ Stormers coach Allister Coetzee ~
The medical staff have given me plenty of time to make a full recovery, so my focus has to turn to making that a reality.
~ Brumbies & Wallaby flank David Pocock ~
If your feet come off the ground and your head is in the clouds then this competition just bites you.
~ Sharks coach John Plumtree ~
It’s not melodramatic to say we're at a cross-roads, we need to start winning.
~ Stormers coach Allister Coetzee ~
I don't think there's much argument other than Steve had a pretty good day generally.
~ Sanzar referees boss Lyndon Bray on Steve Walsh's perfomance in Brisbane ~
Everything was about pressure out there and it came down to who could cope with it.
~ Sharks coach John Plumtree ~
We lost a lot of respect last year and we're slowly going to try and get it back one game at a time.
~ Blues skipper Ali Williams ~
We have still to decide who will do the place-kicking against the Sharks but Jantjies was kicking very well (at training)
~ Stormers head coach Allister Coetzee ~
The result of last year’s Currie Cup final will definitely mean something to our game against the Stormers.
~ Sharks coach John Plumtree ~
Players need to take ownership and they will have to pitch with the necessary desire.
~ Stormers head coach Allister Coetzee ~
We still have a lot of work to do and we don't want to get ahead of ourselves.
~ Kings centre Andries Strauss ~
It is a massive wakeup call for us and it just shows the difference between Currie Cup and Super Rugby.
~ Stormers skipper Jean de Villiers ~
You just have to ensure you're doing your best for the side every day. I am very satisfied so far.
~ England centre Brad Barritt ~
It is good to have Johan back in the thick of things.
~ Cheetahs coach Naka Drotske ~
We have an experienced core of players this year and it is something that hopefully will benefit us.
~ Bulls coach Frans Ludeke ~
It was a step-up from last week which is exactly what I wanted.
~ Sharks coach John Plumtree on his side's pre-season win over the Pumas ~
The Bulls rugby family is special..their work ethic commendable, something I want to be part of for the next couple of years.
~ Jan Serfontein on his new Bulls contract ~
I'll miss my front row seats on the big stage.
~ Retiring SA referee Jonathan Kaplan ~
It's unfortunate for the team and Eben, but like I said after the match - injuries are part and parcel of the game.
~ Stormers coach Alistair Coetzee ~
I can't tell you my message at half-time. There were a few harsh words, it was really unacceptable.
~ Bok coach Heyneke Meyer ~
If you've got that number on your back you have to be an enforcer...Bakkies did it and now it's my turn
~ Lock Eben Etzebeth on his 'enforcer' role in the Springbok team ~
That will be the biggest mistake in the history of SA rugby if you allow that demon back into the lions....no peoples skills.......we humans, not animals.
~ Jonathan Mokuena Tweets about suspended Lions coach John Mitchell ~
I'm excited to see what Pat can bring to the team. He played very well in the last few weeks of the Currie Cup and hopefully he can bring that momentum with him on Saturday.
~ Bok coach Heyneke Meyer on Pat Lambie ~
It’s amazing to be back in the team … the feeling is one you always dream about and I feel like a little boy playing Springbok rugby again.
~ JP Pietersen on being back in the Bok camp ~
Officially Black & White for next year! Its good to be home!!
~ Butch James tweets his return to the Sharks ~
We have come a long way as a team this year but we are looking to improve and take our game to the next level and win all three matches on tour.
~ Bok captain Jean de Villiers ~
There is a lot of Leinster players still in the Ireland setup. I see the weather is still very much the same...it’s great to be back in Dublin.
~ Bok prop CJ van der Linde on facing his former Leinster team-mates ~
We have come a long way as a team this year but we are looking to improve and take our game to the next level and win all three matches on tour.
~ Springbok captain Jean de Villiers ~
I never imagined that when I played against Australia in Perth in 2008, that it would be my last cap. But it looked that way.
~ Saracens hooker Schalk Brits on his Springbok recall ~
I think he can be a great fly-half...
~ Bok coach Heyneke Meyer on Pat Lambie's future ~
Being Springbok coach is a managerial job as much as anything else and it has been frustrating at times for me in this first season.
~ Bok coach Heyneke Meyer ~
I always hoped I would get another chance.
~ Recalled Bok hooker Schalk Brits ~
To make two finals in two major competitions and not win is devastating.
~ Sharks coach John Plumtree ~
The commitment, brotherhood and trust came out strongly.
~ WP coach Allister Coetzee praises his Currie Cup-winning side ~
If you look at the Habanas, Aplons, Pietersens, there are some really good players in that side, all capable of punishing defensive lapses.
~ Sharks coach John Plumtree on WP's line-up ~
I don't have a fixed position, but would really like to be considered at full-back.
~ Springbok centre Jaco Taute on his move to the Stormers ~
He is quite a good ball-carrier, he has got explosive pace, he is quite big and tall and he has got good core skills as well
~ Western Province Allister Coetzee on inside centre Damian de Allende ~
You do have a slight edge when you do host a final...
~ Sharks captain Keegan Daniel ~
It's called Australia pinching our players. That's the system breakdown.
~ All Blacks coach Steve Hansen on Mike Harris playing for Australia ~
...it's another cheap shot. He seems to get them every week but everyone seems to miss them.
~ All Blacks coach Steve Hansen on Richie McCaw taking a shot to the head ~
It's been a tough year, there are four teams who can finish their season on a high and all four will be talking about that.
~ Sharks coach John Plumtree ~
I had four really good games at the World Cup and then I had that.
~ Retired ref Bryce Lawrence on the RWC quarter-final ~
Even though we lost our last game there, it didn't faze us because we now know we can beat the Sharks in Durban.
~ Blue Bulls captain Dewald Potgieter ~
I liked the way we physically dominated the scrum, and the tackle.
~ Western Province Allister Coetzee ~
I'm the Springbok coach who has picked the least amount of Bulls out of the last four coaches!
~ Bok coach Heyneke Meyer speaking exclusively to SARugby.com ~
Plan 'B' is a fallacy. You should plan every situation on its merits.
~ Bok coach Heyneke Meyer speaking exclusively to SARugby.com ~
I don't mind if people criticise. I'll always listen to constructive criticism, and some of it has been fair.
~ Bok coach Heyneke Meyer speaking exclusively to SARugby.com ~
We had a few inexperienced players against the best backline in the world and they will punish you if you make mistakes.
~ SA coach Heyneke Meyer on his team conceding four tries ~
The turning point came just after half time. We gave away a turnover against the best team in the world and suddenly we were behind.
~ Bok coach Heyneke Meyer on where it went wrong for SA ~
Can he handle the pressure? I can tell you not much bothers the Goose.
~ Jean de Villiers on Bok pivot Johan Goosen ~
We are in no doubt how big the challenge is for the team this weekend but it is one we are looking forward to as it will be a real test of our resolve and character.
~ NZ coach Steve Hansen on Saturday's Test ~
We still expect high balls and a tough physical battle through the forwards. Some things don't change.
~ NZ assistant coach Ian Foster on SA's game plan ~
People will be looking for a scapegoat and rightly or wrongly the responsibility for the performances rests with the coach
~ Aussie press on the coaching future of Robbie Deans ~
"We have shown that we can create, and now we are starting to finish. It's not that we went out there with a more attacking mindset. It was more about playing the situation.
~ Jean de Villiers on the win over the Wallabies. ~
It was a very difficult decision, but I have to look after the team's interests first and then the individual's. Morne really wanted to play, especially at Loftus, his home ground, but he is a true champion and he took my decision gracefully. He has won a lot of games for his country, just the last few have not gone well. But Morne's not someone you need to feel sorry for, he's a fighter and he will come back stronger.
~ Heyneke Meyer on dropping Morne Steyn. ~
I feel he is now ready to start a Test for South Africa and I'm excited to see what he can bring
~ Heynke Meyer announcing that Johan Goosen will start against the Wallabies ~
I will never blame an individual. If the team loses, it is always my fault, but I think we played the right game plan and put the All Blacks under pressure. Even they were surprised at how we kept them under pressure.
~ Heyneke Meyer refuses to put the blame for the Boks' latest loss on Morne Steyn and insists they are playing the right game plan ~
The weather didn’t play its part but no excuse for our discipline. Perhaps it was too much blood to the head, it just wasn’t good enough.
~ Deon Fourie ~
We're delighted Josh views Glasgow Warriors as a club where he can progress and achieve his ambitions, and we look forward to seeing him in a black and blue shirt in the very near future.
~ Coach Gregor Townsend has hailed Strauss as a "terrific addition" to his squad ~
I took the high ball, it twisted and I heard a few cracks
~ Genia recalled after the 26-19 victory ~
We have had success in the past so surely that must count for a little bit
~ Jean de Villiers at a media briefing in Perth ~
It’s a big challenge, playing six Tests against the best teams in the world in eight weeks and we now have to ensure we improve on how we played against England. It’s still early days for this team, but we are excited about what lies ahead in a brand-new competition that promises to be very testing.
~ Heyneke Meyer ~
The Springbok squad for the forthcoming Castle Rugby Championship will be named by SARU CEO Jurie Roux and Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer at a media conference in Worcester at 16:30 on Saturday.
~ News in brief ~
Looking at the upcoming final, analysis of the last six years of Super Rugby has found that the Chiefs’ home ground advantage is worth approximately two points, and that international travel is worth five points. Travelling three times means that the Sharks have a handicap that is probably about 15 points large.
~ Sport scientist Ross Tucker says the Sharks face a 15-point handicap against the Chiefs. ~
I will never stop fighting, whether it takes another four seasons we will get to that final and we are going to win the cup.
~ Allister Coetzee. ~
I’ve never seen players so cut up in a changing room. But that’s life’s lessons. You can give up or [fight back]. I’d still like to take the emotion out of it by saying we are one of three sides who have improved this season, and haven’t regressed - us, and the Chiefs and Sharks. For the Stormers to have made that step in a positive direction, I am still pleased with the season.
~ Allister Coetzee. ~
Former All Black coach Graham Henry reveals in his autobiography he suspected match-fixing after New Zealand's shock loss to France in the quarter-finals of the 2007 World Cup.
~ News in brief ~
It is going to take a while to get over this one. We can only blame ourselves. We had 80 minutes to prove that we are good enough and in the end we were short.
~ Jean de Villiers. ~
"I believe Peter Grant is our best player this year. He clinched games in our favour, and it was his penalty (from the corner in the dying minutes) which helped us beat the Sharks (15-12) earlier this year at Newlands."
~ Jean de Villiers praises Peter Grant. ~
I don’t want to get too emotionally attached to it, because it could be my last week here, but I’m just trying to turn all those emotions into motivation. I want to come in, do all my work and try and build like I haven’t done it before – try and tick all those boxes. And then hopefully run out there on Friday night fizzing and just do my role really well.
~ Sonny Bill Williams on what could be his final Super Rugby match on Friday. ~
“I don’t understand how that [TMO referred] try was inconclusive and if we got it, we were right back in the game. It’s very disappointing to end the season on a low note. We did sneak into the Qualifiers, but you have to work hard to get yourselves into this position and we did that. It was good to get into this position, but as champions, you can’t be content with getting this far in the season.”
~ Will Genia blasts TMO Matt Goddard. ~
Johann Sadie is reportedly heading for Bloemfontein to continue his career at the Cheetahs after having asked to be released from his contract at the Bulls.
~ News in brief ~
The story going around we've taken money to stay out of Super Rugby in 2013 is NOT TRUE ! We will be playing Super Rugby in 2013.
~ The Southern Kings deny on Twitter that they accepted a R40m offer from SARU to postpone their inclusion in Super Rugby to 2016. ~
We handled the pressure and took the win required to top the log. It’s tough to win this conference and to win the trophy twice in a row is something. Topping the log is a first for any Stormers team and I am proud of the boys.
~ Allister Coetzee ~
Whilst not happy with the performance today coach Allister Coetzee gave credit to his players and management team, “We handled the pressure and took the win required to top the log. It’s tough to win this conference and to win the trophy twice in a row is something. Topping the log is a first for any Stormers team and I am proud of the boys. We will enjoy tonight and then there is some hard work ahead over the next 2 weeks.” We handled the pressure and took the win required to top the log. It’s tough to win this conference and to win the trophy twice in a row is something. Topping the log is a first for any Stormers team and I am proud of the boys.
~ Allister Coetzee ~
If the siren sounds and the referee continues the match unnecessarily, then a rock hitting his head would be justified.
~ Samoa Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi ~
He’s a skilful player, and likes to be out first, so at eight he can be first out of the scrums and the same applies off lineouts. We have to try it now, before the play-offs start and (provided) we get there ... we still have to work for at least a point to get (a bye into a home semi-final). Deon also understands the engagement of the scrum, being a hooker. We’ll see how it goes - he has all the attributes to do the job for us. The proof of the pudding is in the eating this weekend.
~ Allister Coetzee on the selection of Deon Fourie at No 8. ~
Kenyan loose forward Daniel Adongo has been released from his contract at the Bulls after just six months with the franchise. The 23-year-old will continue his career at New Zealand province Counties Manakau.
~ News in brief ~
Controversial Wales centre Gavin Henson has signed for Premiership newcomers London Welsh after three months in the rugby wilderness. Hansen had been without a club since April after being sacked by Cardiff Blues over his drunken behaviour on a flight returning from a game in Glasgow.
~ News in brief ~
Bulls lock Flip van der Merwe is in a race against time to be fit for the final regular season clash with the Lions after he suffered a hip injury during the 32-10 defeat to the Sharks in Durban. Deon Stegmann on the other hand, will be available after being given an extra week to recover.
~ News in brief ~
SARU has delayed a decision that would have been made on who the five SA franchises would be for the 2013 Super Rugby season on request from the majority of the provincial unions. SARU did not say when the meeting would be rescheduled.
~ News in brief ~
Wallaby star Kurtley Beale will appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on July 24 for allegedly hitting a bouncer at the Victory Hotel the morning before the first Australia-Wales Test.
~ News in brief ~
There were two tries [both scored by Conrad Smith] that shouldn't have been allowed for a start. Those things, they hurt you and they kill you. To me that was not a try. If there was a TMO like rugby league, they wouldn't have allowed it. Even the second one [was dubious], when they had a guy in our defensive line as obstruction.
~ Todd Blackadder lashes out at Bryce Lawrence after his team’s loss to the Hurricanes. ~
Sonny Bill Williams is set to announce he has signed a one-season deal with Japanese club Panasonic Wild Knights and will then shift to the NRL - most likely with the Sydney Roosters - in early 2013.
~ News in brief ~
James O’Connor aggravated a hamstring injury in the Rebels’ loss to the Reds on Friday and looks set to miss the Melbourne side’s two-match South African tour.
~ News in brief ~
Rocky is still recovering from a shoulder injury and it's getting better all the time, but we probably won't see him this year unfortunately. He's signed to play in Japan and we wish him well.
~ Waratahs coach Michael Foley says Rocky Elsom has signed for Japanese club Kobe Steel and has likely played his last match for the Waratahs due to injury. ~
The rumours are false. There is definitely no such agreement with SARU. I think they are rumours that were started by people who want to sink the Kings. We should have played Super Rugby in 2011 already, but stood back with the best interests of South African rugby in mind. A decision has been made that we will play Super Rugby in 2013 and that is what we're striving for.
~ Cheeky Watson says rumours that SARU has paid off the Kings to relinquish their place in Super Rugby 2013 are false. ~
All Black and Crusaders duo Kieran Read (concussion) and Israel Dagg (ankle) are unlikely to be fit for the weekend’s Super Rugby encounter against the Hurricanes while Dan Carter (hamstring) will definitely miss the Christchurch clash.
~ News in brief ~
Richie McCaw has broken Wallaby great George Gregan's record for most Test wins. The All Blacks captain has won 94 of his 106 Tests.
~ News in brief ~
JP and Stefan will add physicality to our midfield, while JP's experience will be of huge value. They are both contracted for the Currie Cup competition.
~ Griquas coach Pote Human confirms the signings of JP Nel and Stefan Watermeyer. ~
They want to go home with at least one Test win and we don't want to give them that. We've got a lot to play for. We know the responsibility we have when we put on the Springbok jersey. We will be going out all guns blazing.
~ Jean de Villiers on Saturday’s so-called dead-rubber Test in Port Elizabeth. ~
All available seating at Newlands has been sold for Friday’s IRB Junior World Championship Final between South Africa and New Zealand Under-20. Computicket confirmed that 35 000 fans have bought tickets for the final. The previous IRB record for a JWC final was 22 000.
~ News in brief ~
Kabamba has to show he is fit and that his knee is 100% ready so that he can play in the Currie Cup. Then we'll talk about a contract.
~ Naka Drotske on giving forgotten flank Kabamba Floors a chance to prove his fitness for the Currie Cup season. ~
The third and final Test between South Africa and England in Port Elizabeth on Saturday will be broadcast live on SuperSport 1 and HD1 at 17:00, on SuperSport 4 at 18:45, and on e.tv at 22:00.
~ News in brief ~
It’s just as important as the first two Tests, we are not going to slow down now. I’m sure England will also be up for it, so we can’t afford to be complacent. Our goal has always been to beat them 3-0 if you think that the goal is to win every game.
~ Francois Hougaard on Saturday’s so-called dead-rubber Test in Port Elizabeth. ~
Australia wing Cooper Vuna has been cleared to play in the third Test against Wales on Saturday despite his dangerous tackle on Wales fullback Leigh Halfpenny in the second Test.
~ News in brief ~
England wing George Lowe has been replaced by Gloucester centre Jonny May for the final week of their South African tour.
~ News in brief ~
England have been forced into making a late change for the second Test against the Springboks at Coca-Cola Park, with Thomas Waldrom replacing Phil Dowson on the bench.
~ News in brief ~
SuperSport have engaged with e.tv and have offered them the rights to broadcast the Bok Tests on a delayed basis. We are awaiting their response. SuperSport is happy to offer the rights to any free-to-air broadcaster.
~ SuperSport Communications Manager Clinton van der Berg says the Springboks’ home Test matches could be broadcast on e.tv after the SABC said it would no longer be televising them 'delayed live'. ~
It's disappointing to be leaving before the end, because when I signed my two-year contract with the Sharks, Super Rugby was supposed to be over by the end of June. It's a pity not to be involved in the last few matches and hopefully the guys get into the play-offs as well.
~ Sharks lock Ross Skeate on his imminent move to French club Agen. ~
He is a physical freak. He has such a low centre of gravity, he's got such strength and he's quick and he's smart. So he gets into good position and he claims good position. He's nigh impossible to move and he gets the benefit of that.
~ Robbie Deans believes David Pocock is the best openside flank in history. ~
We knew England were going to be very well prepared and they are a very physical side. There were a few nerves at the beginning, with a new captain and a few new players, but I was very happy with the performance. I said to the forwards at half time it wasn't good enough. I wanted us to up the tempo and there were a few harsh words. A lot of players knew they had to step up in the second half and they did.
~ Heyneke Meyer after his first Test in charge. ~
I took the decision based on form. Eben brings us something different and competes well in the lineouts. I wouldn't say he's the next Bakkies. I think he's going to surpass that standard. Eben could become a world class lock. He's physical, big and doesn't shy away from contact. I think he was the best lock in Super Rugby thus far and it's only fair that I pick him.
~ Heyneke Meyer says Eben Etzebeth will surpass Bakkies Botha. ~
I prefer Jean at outside centre due to the way we play. If you play direct rugby, your inside centre can get you over the advantage line. Then, when the ball goes wide, you'll have your best decision maker at outside centre. Frans Steyn is for me the best at inside centre because you then effectively have two flyhalves. Then we're also in a position to have good decision makers and tactical kickers at flyhalf and inside centre.
~ Ricardo Loubscher feels Jean de Villiers is best suited at outside centre. ~
The one thing we have decided as a group is that there are going to be no excuses whether we have enough time or not. Heyneke Meyer's main message to us for the next four years is that we want to become the best team in the world and we can't afford to see anything as an excuse.
~ Bryan Habana says there will be no excuses about the lack of preparation before the series against England. ~
Three of our locks haven’t played a Test. But I’m confident in the ability of [forwards coach] Johann van Graan. Juandre has also taken a lot of leadership responsibility at the Bulls. The lineout session today [Monday] went very well. It’s not the ideal situation but I believe we’ll be fine there.
~ Heyneke Meyer says the inexperience in the second row won't hamper the Springboks. ~
Local rugby writer Mark Keohane has resigned as spokesperson for South Africa's Olympic team while also stepping down as director of publishing company, Highbury Safika Media after allegations of drug abuse and sexual harassment. Former female employees of Keohane claim he suffers from a "miserable cocaine addiction", visits prostitutes and also sexually harasses women.
~ Rapport ~
I think Jean is still laying in bed, but he should be alright. We will see him for the first time when we go to the airport on Saturday morning.
~ Robbie Fleck is hopeful that Jean de Villiers will recover from flu before Saturday's big clash at Loftus. ~
Loose forwards are a big issue. I don't rate Spies as a defender, he is poor on defence and his close ball skills at the back of the scrum are also poor. He is only good against weak teams. A flat-track bully who will run in three tries. We are missing out on someone who is good from the base of the scrum.
~ Nick Mallett gives his views on Pierre Spies. ~
Frans Steyn will be ineligible to play for the Sharks in the Super Rugby play-offs should the franchise progress that far as Super Rugby rules state that teams are only allowed to register 35 players at the start of a season and that players signed later in the season due to injury, must have been registered before April 1 and have played in four games to be eligible to participate in the play-offs.
~ News in brief ~
I believe in two types of rugby; winning rugby and losing rugby, there is nothing in between for me. I've always said attack puts bums on seats but defence wins games. I'll rather take an ugly win than lose a game playing great rugby.
~ Heyneke Meyer says he won’t mind winning ugly. ~
I am touched by our loyal supporters who have booked their seat to watch their beloved team. We will be playing in our alternative match kit in an effort to support the Cancer Association of South Africa. I would like to challenge our Bulls family as well as other rugby lovers to get behind our Get Your Pink On campaign and wear pink on Saturday. We have an SMS donation line open as well as a website and I urge everyone to please make a donation - no matter how small.
~ Blue Bulls Company CEO Barend van Graan on Saturday’s sold out north/south derby at Loftus. ~
It is very difficult working for people you don't trust. This lack of trust, as well as the feeling that I never really had their support, was to direct a lot of my decision-making and behaviour over the next four years. It was also one of the major reasons for making the senior players my sole support group later on.
~ Peter de Villiers, in his autobiography: Politically Incorrect. ~
We'll put faith in the young men in the Western Province. The Vodacom Cup team did brilliantly. It's only for the next two matches - against the Sharks and Bulls - where we'll struggle with depth.
~ Allister Coetzee says they won’t continue their search for further loose forward reinforcements. ~
The Kings will play in the competition in 2013, but not at the expense of one of the other franchises.
~ Jurie Roux ~
The Crusaders are making a strong bid to lure All Blacks centre Ma'a Nonu to Christchurch for the 2013 Super Rugby season.
~ Media report ~
Bismarck, at the end of John's career became a better rugby player, but John became the best person to have around the team because he inspired players who wanted an environment of trust and integrity to perform at their best. When I look back at it, we were so blessed with two great hookers and we used their abilities to suit the team and it made the team better in the end.
~ Peter de Villiers explains why he chose John Smit ahead of Bismarck du Plessis. ~
I think more players should be made available than the 35 allowed, especially if you take into consideration that there's a Test break in between as well. We don't know in what condition the players will return if they were picked by the Boks. I believe teams should be allowed to register 40 or 45 players.
~ Allister Coetzee calls for a change to SANZAR regulations. ~
At some point he probably may have to play there [No.12], but that will be more because of what our bench looks like rather than where we want to play him. If he starts for the All Blacks, it'll be at 10 in the June series.
~ Steve Hansen confirms Dan Carter as his first-choice flyhalf. ~
It is a great pleasure to announce that we are getting Peter [de Villiers] back into rugby to help us with development projects of the sport. We want him to develop the best model for grassroots rugby in the country. We are engaging him. The man has a wealth of knowledge that we need to tap into. Peter has done well for the country, including winning big events with the junior national teams.
~ Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula. ~
Stormers loose forward Nizaam Carr is likely to be sidelined for a lengthy period after suffering a knee injury during Saturday’s win over the Cheetahs at Newlands.
~ Stormers ~
Peter is too important for us to be on honeymoon now. The rugby he's currently playing is the best I've ever seen from him. He gets the ball over the advantage line, gets our centres into the game and kicks exceptionally well.
~ Robbie Fleck says recently married Peter Grant's honeymoon has to take a backseat at present. ~
We are very calm about our Super franchise. We serve the whole central region (Griquas, Free State and Northern Free State/Griffons) and just need to keep on winning. We saw in the past that it is practically and logistically very tough [to form the Cats franchise].
~ Cheetahs CEO Harold Verster is sceptical about revering to the Cats for Super Rugby 2013. ~
The plan with Francois Louw is unfortunately off. For now we'll have to make do with what we've got. Western Province made the semi-finals of the Vodacom Cup so it's good to be able to use players from there. However, it does not mean that I can't look elsewhere for a player. We need someone with experience.
~ Allister Coetzee is continuing his hunt for an experienced loose forward. ~
Bulls centre Wynand Olivier is struggling with a rib injury and looks set to miss Friday’s Vodacom Super Rugby Round 12 clash against the Waratahs. Francois Venter or Johann Sadie is likely to replace him for the Sydney showdown.
~ Bulls ~
Springbok flanker Schalk Burger will miss the three-Test series against England as he continues to recover from a knee injury.
~ Stormers statement. ~
The Stormers are looking to regain the services of Springbok and Bath flanker Francois Louw.
~ Die Burger ~
It’s not an easy decision to make ... and hopefully SARU will take into account our injury crisis this year and how it has derailed our campaign. The players are also playing under considerable stress and many are possibly self-preserving at this stage, looking after themselves, not knowing where they might be this time next year. They have families and partners and I feel for SARU to have made the decision they have and to delay finalising what’s actually going to happen is ludicrous. The players have been hung out to dry.
~ John Mitchell on the possibility of the Lions being relegated from Super Rugby. ~
"Panasonic is interested in getting Sonny Bill Williams and has made an offer to him. We will offer two years and we will offer the best offer of the company because he is the best player. It will be the top offer by our company."
~ Panasonic Wild Knights general manager Hitoshi Iijima says his club has offered Sonny Bill Williams the most lucrative offer in the club’s history. ~
It's too early to consider a change to a format that's currently successful. There's also not enough time to consider a change in the format for next year. It’s a big discussion to have when the new structure is only 18 months old. It is fine for one team to replace another and that's what we expect will happen because only five South African teams can play.
~ SANZAR CEO Greg Peters says South Africa can forget about a sixth Super Rugby team. ~
Heinrich hasn't been as influential at home as he was on our tour, but he has been carrying an injury that will have affected him. This week he is back and looking good at training, so I'm expecting a big performance from him.
~ Hawies Fourie on Heinrich Brussow ahead of the Highlanders clash on Saturday. ~
It’s not the way we would have chosen the game to go, scoring five tries to two and losing is disappointing. To stay with the Bulls for the entire game was fantastic it’s just a shame we gave them so many chances to stay in front. You can’t give someone like Morne Steyn 11 chances at the poles in Pretoria and expect to win. We will regroup now and focus on the Lions. It will be another tough week but we are focussed on returning to Australia with a win on the road and that starts at Coca-Cola Stadium this Friday night.
~ Jake White ~
We are looking at Gio Aplon's situation. It appears to be cramps that developed into a muscle spasm, rather than a [hamstring] tear. We are hopeful that it was severe cramping.
~ Allister Coetzee on Gio Aplon. ~
Cheetahs flyhalf Johan Goosen has extended his contract with the Bloemfontein side until the end of the 2014 season.
~ Volksblad ~
Rassie already started doing some work for me behind the scenes and for the first time we have statistics on all the players. He will sit with me on the one-on-ones and we will be able to discuss with every player where they stand in relation to the national team.
~ Heyneke Meyer says a new unified structure will see him and Rassie Erasmus evaluate every detail of a select group of players’ games. ~
Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer wants to lure Victor Matfield out of retirement to captain the Boks in the three-Test series against England in June. Fourie du Preez is believed to be next in line for the captaincy.
~ Rapport ~
SARU and the Blue Bulls Company (Pty) Ltd have reached an agreement which allows SARU to negotiate with four coaches (Van Graan, Carzils, McFarland, Loubscher) employed by the Blue Bulls.
~ SARU ~
At the end of the day, all we have to do is continue to progress as an inexperienced Super Rugby side, so that is the only thing we can control. I don’t get involved in that stuff and it is certainly not part of our motivation, and as far I as am concerned it is negative motivation if you want to get into survival mode. I have never had that philosophy and I never will; this side will continue to be ambitious and will look to grow.
~ John Mitchell on the danger of the Lions being relegated from Super Rugby. ~
If we thought they [players] were making them on a vexatious basis then we would certainly be asking some questions, but in the heat of the battle it's hard for a player to always know exactly what's happened and that's the purpose of the white card.
~ Greg Peters, in response to whether it is too easy for players to make allegations of foul play. ~
Personally, I'm bemused. If the allegations made are shown to be false then I expect an apology because they're pretty serious allegations. Otherwise anyone can make allegations and we'll have white cards all over the place. I'm not sure the system is designed for that.
~ Todd Blackadder says he is perplexed by the Bulls’ allegations of eye-gouging. ~
The Bulls have asked SARU for a R1 million transfer fee each for forwards coach Johan van Graan and fitness guru Basil Carzils, and R250 000 each for defence coach John McFarland and backline coach Ricardo Loubscher.
~ SuperSport ~
Like Heyneke Meyer said when he became Bok coach: You get winning rugby and losing rugby. We want to play winning rugby. We were very good on attack, but didn't finish off well. However, it's good to create opportunities against a good team like the Bulls. We just have to become more clinical and finish off.
~ Allister Coetzee is unconcerned about the Stormers' inability to score four-try bonus points. ~
My guys have got that never say die attitude and so it's a great honour for me to lead them and it's a great place to start building from when we get back home. It's very important to us to win on the road. We've got a lot of loyal supporters and this one goes out to them.
~ Adriaan Strauss on the Cheetahs’ historic win in Wellington. ~
When you play the game you play for something you stand for, you play for your teammates. What matters is not the colour of the jersey that you wear in a specific match, but what that jersey represents. It really doesn’t matter what you’ve got on. We have immense respect for the Bulls and we know what is coming at us on Saturday, regardless of what they will be wearing.
~ Jean de Villiers says the Bulls' pink away strip is irrelevant in the build-up to Saturday's clash.. ~
I have no idea where that has come from. Toddy told us the other day and we just had to laugh. It was the first I had heard about it."
~ Dan Carter laughs off reports linking him and Richie McCaw to a move to Italy. ~
I hope to get the green light to be able to play again and I'm hopeful that my talks with the Blue Bulls will be positive so I can continue my career at Loftus Versfeld.
~ Derick Hougaard is back in South Africa for good and keen to return to the Bulls. ~
I don't know what I am going to do yet, return or stay at Racing. But the Sharks and Racing Metro have been talking to me. I will give an answer within the next week ... will let you know.
~ Frans Steyn - on Twitter - says he’ll make a decision on his future within the next week. ~
The only way Sonny Bill would come back to the NRL was if he got a promise that he would be getting the most money of anyone in the game. That was one of a host of conditions he set down. It was about at that stage that we lost interest."
~ An un-named NRL coach relays a statement from Sonny Bill Williams's agent Khoder Nasser. ~
I think you'd expect Daniel to be in the 22. Whether he starts, we still have to make a decision but we are just really pleased that we are going to be able to include him. He's 100 percent except for his goal kicking but he just needs to do a little bit more work.
~ Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder says a fit-again Dan Carter will likely start on the bench against the Cheetahs this weekend. ~
Frans is eager to play for the Boks - and with Heyneke Meyer having already contacted him and informed him about what is expected of him in order to be picked for the Boks in future - he is willing to earn less money in the process.
~ Frans Steyn's agent Gerrie Swart says his client is seriously considering a return to South Africa. ~
The City of Cape Town and the WPRFU have agreed to enter 'formal exploratory talks' about WP moving from Newlands to Cape Town Stadium.
~ Patricia de Lille ~
I picked up the bottle, called his name, and as he looked around, I passed him his water. This is when it hit the Blues captain. I can understand why they reacted that way but I was not there to make trouble.
~ Bulls fan Johannes Nel plays down last Saturday's bottling incident. ~
There were some dubious officials tonight, so we’re going to have to report the TMO on the evidence that we have. That’s something we’ll have to deal with upstairs. They won’t change the result, but clearly [the officials] need to be accountable at this level.
~ John Mitchell hits out at officials. ~
Former Springbok wing Ricardo Loubscher is the new favourite to become Springbok backline coach.
~ SuperSport ~
She's tough, rugged rugby and one thing about it, too, a lot of pressure produces fine players. Everyone can see how you can handle pressure. It's certainly not easy. It wouldn't get any tougher than our conference.
~ Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder believes the New Zealand conference is the strongest. ~
Whether you regard it as a case of getting out of jail or not, it’s a fantastic win for us. We’ve always known the Sharks are quality, and they certainly pitched tonight. They threw the kitchen sink. We were taken to a dark place at times, but responded, and that’s the (important thing). Two or three years ago this was the type of match where I reckon we would have ended up losing.
~ Allister Coetzee ~
They [the Hurricanes] scored off our mistakes. That is something that shouldn’t have happened, so we will look back at it and fix what we did wrong. I think we had a better second-half performance and showed some character but we let ourselves down.
~ Josh Strauss ~
We have to make sure we are accurate at set piece and then we can build some pressure. Defences are pretty much all the same, some are a little bit better than others, but at the end of the day, if we get quick ball from rucks, with the backs that we’ve got, we know we can do some damage.
~ John Plumtree ~
Tendai Mtawarira is being treated in a Cape Town hospital for a heart condition that the Sharks' doctor says is 'not so serious'
~ Cape Times ~
We're playing way too often against the other top South African teams. It wears the players down to play against each other so often. For SANZAR it's obviously fantastic because it boosts revenue. Just look at the crowd that was here tonight. You'll never achieve that with the derby games in Australia and New Zealand. The standard of their derbies isn't nearly as intense as ours here in South Africa.
~ John Plumtree believes there are too many local derbies in Super Rugby. ~
It's definitely a big loss for us to lose our captain - also because of the way he plays for this team. But we believe that to fare well in this competition you need 35 to 40 players who can do the job for you. We believe we've got that and hopefully the player who replaces him can grab the opportunity and do the job for us.
~ Jean de Villiers on Schalk Burger's injury. ~
You’ve got a lot of players in Super Rugby this year that have a point to prove, I think. It looks like that down in Cape Town, it looks like that down in Pretoria and obviously we’ve got some here as well. So there’s a change if you like, a new page in South African rugby in a lot of ways.
~ John Plumtree on the new era in South African rugby. ~
Everything has changed since I came to the Bulls 13 weeks ago. I'm stronger, fitter, and mentally tougher and I'm burning to put all the last few months' hard work into action. I don't really want to make comparisons [to the Stormers] but what I can say is that I never realised what my body and mind were capable of before I joined the Bulls. I didn't realise one could be pushed so far
~ Johann Sadie ~
Duane Vermeulen was a good acquisition for the pack, but WP has never contracted a world class prop. I don't think they'll be able to launch attacks from their scrums this year. However, it (their scrum) shouldn’t disintegrate if I take into account the way the referees are currently applying the laws.
~ Robbie Kempson feels the Stormers' front row doesn't instil enough fear into opponents. ~
The foot is really good. I've just started back running. I'll progress over the next few weeks to hopefully get back out on the field soon, but hopefully it's all behind me. By March, I should be pretty close to knowing when I'll be back, but I'd say some time in April. But I don't want to put too tight a time frame on it.
~ Richie McCaw expects to return to action in April. ~
SA's five existing franchises have threatened to pull out of Super Rugby in 2013 if six SA teams are not accommodated.
~ Rapport ~
The Bulls’ Barberton daisy and light blue colours could be replaced with a more representative emblem and the colours white, black, yellow and green when the Tshwane Sports Council officially become the governing body of sport in the Tshwane region on March 31.
~ Beeld ~
I really believe he has more to give at international level. He’s only 29 and we could see him playing some of his best rugby over the next few years. He’s also in the best condition he’s been in for a long time, and I’ve noticed the difference that’s had on his performance.
~ Eddie Jones on his Suntory star Fourie du Preez ~
We want to start something new. We realise it was the end of an era but we're keen to start building another one. Everyone's energy is positive and we are keen to get going.
~ Pierre Spies ~
Last week we got three yellow cards at the breakdown and tonight certain okes got away with murder, and maybe they could have been penalised for slowing our ball down, being offside or not rolling away on purpose. I know that when Super Rugby starts the refs are going to be much harsher at the breakdown.
~ Allister Coetzee on officiating of the breakdown. ~
We are very dangerous when we have our backs to the wall like we were against Ireland but we are also very dangerous when we are confident. There is a lot of improvement to come in our game. What I tell the guys is be accurate, do the simple things well. If we do that then I think we will do really well in this championship.
~ Warren Gatland ~
The Stormers are a very experienced group, but the same principle which applies to me, applies to them as well: No matter how much experience you've got, you have to keep on growing. The transition from good to exceptionally good won't be measured by how much kilograms you can push, but by good decision making on the field. You don't want to wonder after the match about what could have been.
~ Jonathan Kaplan offers some advice to the Stormers ~
I wanted to come back to South Africa, especially for my family's sake. I have two little kids and want to raise them here amongst their family. The chance to slot in at the Bulls thus comes at an ideal time for me. It is also a chance to get back into South African rugby.
~ Rayno Gerber on his return to the Bulls. ~
I'm not an administrator that decides over these things. As coach I am however totally in favour of the Springboks playing in it (the Currie Cup). Their participation will naturally be limited with the new composition of the national Test roster because it will clash with Tests in the Four Nations (Rugby Championship), but I won't keep players out of the series on purpose.
~ Heyneke Meyer says he won't prevent his players from playing in the Currie Cup. ~
I'm not going to appoint a long-term captain immediately. I want to pick a short-term captain, get to know the players and then make an informed decision.
~ Heyneke Meyer ~
There are two kinds of rugby - winning rugby and losing rugby. I prefer the first.
~ Newly appointed Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer ~
The Southern Kings will play Super Rugby in 2013.
~ Jurie Roux ~
The Lions are bankrupt and Coca-Cola Park is more than R70-million in the red.
~ The New Age ~
I can’t comment on something that isn’t possible and which hasn’t been discussed with me. It is speculation and people’s opinions. My focus can only be here. The Sevens is why SARU appointed me.
~ Paul Treu says he hasn't been approached about joining the Springbok management team. ~
Hey tweeps.. Thanx for all the concerns.. Gio was involved in an accident this morning but luckily there were no serious injuries.
~ Bryan Habana tweets that Gio Aplon escaped injury after being involved in a car accident on Wednesday. ~
Heyneke Meyer is set to become the new Bok coach having met with Saru CEO Jurie Roux on Saturday to finalise his contract.
~ Rapport ~
I know I didn't referee as well as I should have. I took a plan of not being overly technical into that game and possibly that was not the right plan.
~ Bryce Lawrence on his performance in last year's World Cup quarter-final. ~
The schedule influences the performance of a team - more travel and less rest makes it difficult. We know it's an issue and we have more tools in our armoury to make it fairer this time.
~ IRB CEO Mike Miller promises a fairer schedule for the smaller countries at the 2015 World Cup. ~
Allister Coetzee is focusing on the Stormers. [I am] definitely not involved or in the run in for the Bok job ... and I'm sure whoever gets the job would be a good candidate.
~ Allister Coetzee rules himself out of the running for the Springbok coaching position. ~
I want to be the best scrumhalf in world rugby. To get there I will have to at the very least meet the standard Fourie [du Preez] set. But the game will evolve to a level that will probably require me to go past that standard. It’s a big challenge but I wouldn’t be able to settle for a mediocre goal.
~ Francois Hougaard ~
One day, if I'm good enough, I'd really like to coach the Boks. But a Bok coach mustn't be too young. At around 50 you have the experience to manage the people and handle the politics around the game.
~ Rassie Erasmus on the Springbok coaching job ~
We're taking 30 guys to Cape Town. They obviously all have to be fit to play. We'll leave the injured one's at home.
~ Naka Drotske says he'll pick two teams for the Neo Africa Tri-Series ~
Hougie wants to make his mark at scrumhalf this year and we gave him the assurance that he will get enough chances there.
~ Frans Ludeke confirms that Francois Hougaard will primarily at scrumhalf this year ~
He has the most experience and is the one who commands the most respect among the Boks.
~ John Smit backs Schalk Burger to take over the captaincy of the Springboks ~
There are a number of new opportunities that have surfaced at a higher level. Each is an exciting and massive new challenge and that is a big attraction to me at this stage of my career.
~ Rassie Erasmus ~
People are wrong about me. I do not eat children.
~ Bakkies Botha ~
I do understand the need for England players to be role models in the game and have tried to live up to that at all times, but have made a couple of stupid decisions in the past weeks. I can only hope for the chance in the future to prove those decisions were the exception not the rule. I am devastated because my actions have let so many people down.
~ Danny Care ~
I feel very honoured, very humbled in getting this award. Obviously winning the Rugby World Cup put the icing on the cake. I don't think I'd be standing here today if we hadn't done that.
~ Sir Graham Henry ~
It is essential that the Ireland team is given every opportunity to remain competitive at international level and to do that, it requires Irish-qualified players to gain continuous experience at club and provincial level.
~ Philip Browne, IRFU Chief Executive ~
My biggest fear would be devaluing what I have achieved and devaluing the jersey. You have to stop at some point and this is the right time for me.
~ Chris Paterson ~
Im heart broken for Dewet Barry & his wife who lost their 2 year old son this morning to a lung infection.God bless them in this time.
~ John Smit tweets his condolences to former Springbok teammate De Wet Barry and his wife Marcelle ~
"I have huge pride in New Zealand rugby and I'm passionate about the All Blacks and New Zealand. I feel humbled and proud to be given the opportunity to lead the team into its next phase. My aim will be to leave the team in a better shape than how I found it and to enhance its legacy.
~ Steve Hansen ~
We believe Zac brought the game into disrepute and the sanctions reflect the gravity of the situation and the need for a real pathway to recovery.
~ Neil Sorensen, NZRU professional rugby manager ~
Jonny redefined the standards for rugby players in his extraordinary international playing career. His capacity for hard work, continual improvement and dedication has left a lasting legacy by which future players will be judged.
~ Damian Hopley, Rugby Players' Association chief executive ~
I've always said I would do whatever's right for whatever team I'm in, but I do think my best position is seven. I can play the other ones and if I have to do that, I have to do that. That's why I want to carry on playing, because I still think I can offer something. When I stop doing that, or stop enjoying it, I'll start doing something else.
~ Richie McCaw ~
Finals are about taking opportunities and they took theirs and we missed ours. Hopefully we have learned valuable lessons such as we should have kept the ball in hand when there was only a minute or a minute and 15 to go. But it’s experiences like this that the players will learn from.
~ Paul Treu ~
The French are worse when they are scared ... They were as bad as they have been and were going for the eyes. My eye was a bit sore for a while and I was struggling to see for a bit. I was surprised they didn't cite him [Aurelien Rougerie].
~ Richie McCaw on the ill-tempered World Cup final ~
I am very keen to get stuck in at SuperSport and will give it a full go, but it is no secret that I want to become involved in coaching too. This will afford me the opportunity to do both, something that I am very pleased about.
~ Victor Matfield ~
It was a fantastic occasion for me personally and I feel privileged. There's no better place to play than the Millennium Stadium and, because of the fans, I was balling my eyes out.
~ Shane Williams ~
It was disappointing for us that we did not play to our full potential. We gained some valuable points which allowed us to stay in touch with the front group on the log and we will now regroup and focus our efforts on doing well in our home tournament next week in Nelson Mandela Bay.
~ Paul Treu ~
Ever since I was a little boy, I wanted to play for the Boks, but at the moment I am not focusing on that, I just want to settle in and make a difference here [at the Waratahs], and then we will see.
~ Sarel Pretorius ~
Timo (Timothy) still has a long way to go but one can never be too young. We will give him an opportunity in the pre-season friendlies to show what he is capable of. We did the same with a youngster like prop Steven Kitshoff last year and he came through.
~ Allister Coetzee confirms SA Schools flyhalf Timothy Swiel is training with the Stormers ~
The Barbarians have two out of three now in the last three years against the southern hemisphere teams so why shoot them down after one bad game?
~ Victor Matfield ~
We are disappointed that we could not protect our ball much better against Fiji, who was clearly the best side on day two. However, there were many positives over the two days for us.
~ Paul Treu ~
"He's a legend in the game - 110 tests for South Africa, four caps for the Barbarians. He is a wonderful player and you can see why when you get up close."
~ Steve Hansen ~
I strongly recommend the UAR (Argentine Rugby Union) hold two games in Buenos Aires and one outside.
~ SANZAR CEO Greg Peters ~
Jake will bring maturity and pragmatism to a young squad that will take 2-3 years to develop. He will bring the physical intensity of the Boks and try to rediscover the Brumbies' attacking game.
~ Eddie Jones ~
I have a new dream and that is to coach the Springboks someday.
~ Victor Matfield ~
We have lost some great players due to retirements and overseas contracts, but I am excited about the change of guard within the squad. We had a proud history in Super Rugby in recent times and will work very hard to emulate that.
~ Frans Ludeke ~
I'm not going to go over there [to South Africa] if there's any personal threat or I have concerns about my safety.
~ Bryce Lawrence ~
The WPRFU Executive Committee unanimously agreed that Newlands is currently the home of rugby in the Western Province, and will be treated as such for the foreseeable future. The Western Province Rugby Football Union embraces such a historic match which will form part of the busy 2012 Super Rugby and Test Match schedule at Newlands Stadium.
~ WPRFU ~
Solly was a trailblazer among black African Springboks and if the reports are correct, to lose him so suddenly and in this brutal manner is very distressing. The casual disregard for life in our society is shocking.
~ Oregan Hoskins ~
To my mind, and I am not necessary speaking on behalf of Saracens, because it is not our issue, but provincial and international competitions between South Africa, France and England must at some point be taken very seriously.
~ Saracens Group Chief Executive Edward Griffiths ~
We can't stop the evolution of the game, but we should at least try to preserve the essence of rugby. Nowadays it's a war of muscles.
~ Hugo Porta ~
The IRB, with our help, changed the regulations relating to the availability, so opened the window such that the clubs had to release the [Argentine] players to play in the Rugby Championship.
~ John O’Neill ~
Last year we made the Super Rugby final and this season we topped the South African Conference. What does this say about the rest of South Africa if our tight five is not good enough?
~ Rassie Erasmus on the Stormers' supposed weak tight five ~
Not winning the World Cup makes me feel like there is unfinished business, that the story isn’t finished. So if they call for applications for the Springbok job I will definitely apply for it. Why not? I have enjoyed doing the job and it was a privilege for me to serve my country. If I apply and my application is not accepted that is fine, I will accept what is good for South African rugby and move on. The next coach will have my full support.
~ Peter de Villiers ~
We've banned the tan. It's real tan only. And you are only allowed to wear coloured boots if you've played over 50 times for the Ospreys or over 15 times for your country.
~ Sean Holley, Ospreys coach ~
These five [2012 NZ] Super Rugby teams are the strongest and most exciting we have ever seen straight off the back of a Rugby World Cup year. It’s reassuring that while some of our senior players are taking the next phase of their rugby careers offshore - the depth of talent available to Super Rugby selectors this year has been impressive.
~ Neil Sorensen ~
It’s been an enormous privilege to coach the All Blacks and I am exceptionally proud of how the team has added to the All Blacks legacy over the last eight years.
~ Graham Henry ~
We were just outplayed by a better side. It's been a long season and there's some wear and tear after a lot of rugby. But I don't want to use anything as an excuse, I don't want to take anything away from the Lions, they deserve the trophy.
~ John Plumtree ~
He made an ordinary bunch of guys into stars.
~ Doppies la Grange pays tribute to John Mitchell ~
This week we aren’t friends. There is definitely no love lost between us. We are both trying to rub each other’s noses in the dirt. There will definitely not be any friendly phone calls between us.
~ John Plumtree on his friendship with John Mitchell ahead of Saturday's Absa Currie Cup final ~
You can see that the guys are in the right mindset to keep the cup. The Currie Cup is ours and we will not easily let go of it. I realise that the Lions will come at us with a tremendous onslaught. They see this as their big chance and are eager for success. It is something they do not know and want to savour it.
~ John Plumtree ~
I am not interested in getting directly involved with the coaching of the Boks, but rather help them on a technical basis once more in 2015.
~ Rassie Erasmus ~
If you just arrive on the spot you don't understand how big these games get at Rugby World Cups, and I think we've worked hard at it over the last four years, knew what we were in for and managed to achieve what we were after.
~ Richie McCaw ~
I'm absolutely shagged...we had to dig as deep as we have ever dug before...[but] we got there in the end.
~ Richie McCaw ~
Nothing is written yet ... they're not world champions. I don't feel like a future loser, or someone who has no chance of winning. We're still in the final, and despite how we've played so far, it's Sunday that counts.
~ Vincent Clerc ~
He [Nathan Sharpe] and Victor Matfield have probably been the best two lineout exponents in the last decade and it's a rivalry that's long standing.
~ Robbie Deans ~
This World Cup was lost by SA Rugby with the decisions they made four years ago. And as I sit back with a whiskey and soda highball and raise a silent toast to all Springbok coaches, I have to ask myself one prickly question: Why is it the coaches always take the flak? Some things do change, but the more they change, the more they stay the same.
~ Jake White ~
Graham Henry and the players would never admit it, but the All Blacks already have one hand and four fingers on the World Cup.
~ Dominion Post ~
I told them what I thought of them. That they're a bunch of undisciplined, spoiled brats, disobedient, sometimes selfish, always complaining, always whining, and they've been (frustrating me) for four years.
~ Marc Lievremont on his players ~
He [Warburton] is not a dirty player. Why spoil a World Cup semi-final by giving a red card? I'm absolutely gutted by it. We were down to 14 men against a world-class opposition and still had a chance to win, it just shows what sort of character our players have got. I'm really proud of the boys.
~ Warren Gatland ~
No, I won't apply.
~ John Mitchell rules himself out of contention as the next Springbok coach ~
You can place some blame on the ref, but the Bok attack was ineffective. They had all that ball but couldn't score a try. They weren't sharp enough to finish, in terms of their passing and support lines. They had no motion on the ball, no linkage between 9 & 10, and had too many one-off runners. Morne Steyn tried to be flatter, but not enough was happening.
~ Eddie Jones ~
I will not turn my back on South Africa but for at least the next four years I am 100 percent committed to leading the Brumbies and returning Super Rugby success to the people of Canberra.
~ Jake White ~
Bryce [Lawrence] is not difficult to communicate with, he just doesn't seem to listen very well. The one positive is that I won't ever have to be reffed by him again.
~ John Smit ~
Last week (Cruden) was skateboarding around Palmerston North, having a couple of beers and watching us play - now he's the No. 1 10 in the country.
~ Graham Henry ~
It was a brilliant journey. There's a time to come and a time to go and I think the journey for me is over.
~ Peter de Villiers ~
We didn't want to go out like this. We wanted to show how we can play rugby. I think we did it well. It was a great start for us and we are going to enjoy this victory. Now we need to keep it up and focus on the next game.
~ Thierry Dusautoir ~
The Springbok-Australia game, well I hope they knock 25 bells out of each other, that would be great and they all come off buggered. They're two very good sides and there will be some great rugby over the weekend.
~ Graham Henry ~
I’ll be sitting at home with my family on Sunday with a tear on my cheek as the team takes on the Wallabies.
~ Bakkies Botha ~
If we win on Sunday it will probably be down to experience and if we lose it will probably be down to our age.
~ Schalk Burger ~
Experience will come to the fore when it comes to these play-off games in the next three weeks. We will see which teams can use the individual experiences of playing in play-off rugby to the best of their ability.
~ John Smit ~
Australia won't be easy, but they will be easier [than Samoa].
~ Peter de Villiers ~
I am bitterly disappointed. I don’t know how the injury happened – it was at a ruck when I was cleaning someone out late in the game.
~ Frans Steyn ~
I can understand the hate!! Haha good luck u racist biased prick.
~ Samoa's Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu's Twitter comment on referee Nigel Owens ~
We are very hard on our discipline and I'm very proud of the boys that they kept their heads and stayed out of all that [off-the-ball] crap.
~ Victor Matfield ~
We expect you to be firing from all cylinders in the game against Samoa this Friday. Treat this game and the remaining games as the final and continue launching the final assault on the enemy as true warriors.
~ SA Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula ~
I am not sure if I am a centre or a fullback. I see I am listed everywhere as a utility back, so I guess that is what I am, whatever it means.
~ Frans Steyn ~
Competition for places in a team is always a good thing in my mind as it brings out the best in the players. We know where we stand with coach Peter and for us it's not about individual glory, but rather team performance.
~ Jean de Villiers on Frans Steyn's form ~
John had a tough time now and he is like [the] Duracell [bunny] at the moment - he just keeps on going. Not that he squeals, but I have to manage him too.
~ Peter de Villiers on managing John Smit ~
Any guy that has played a 100 Tests as an openside flank has something special about him simply because of the physical torture you endure.
~ Schalk Burger on Richie McCaw ~
‘We started too loose, but credit to John [Smit] for getting the guys together. It was a brilliant game, it was loose in the beginning but we did well to come back."
~ Peter de Villiers on the African derby ~
“Bismarck is the stronger ball-carrier and defender but you also have to bear in mind that John will achieve more in the scrums and in the lineouts in the first 60 minutes (than Bismarck).”
~ Peter de Villiers ~
"The worst part is that warm-up because you're tight, you've had a hard week and then you have to warm yourself up and then sit for 60 minutes on the bench."
~ Bismarck du Plessis on the worst part of being benched ~
"It's one man's opinion. We do it because we want to and it's part of our history, our tradition, we're proud of it. I don't really care what he thinks."
~ Ma'a Nonu slams Peter de Villiers' remark that the haka is losing its potency ~
"It just shows a little bit of arrogance we sometimes have in the southern hemisphere - we think we're the best teams in the world - and Ireland showed last night that's not the case."
~ All Blacks back Richard Kahui ~
"It's a good win, but I'm not sitting here with the Webb Ellis Cup beside me, it's a win and we're in a pool stage and we've got to get four wins."
~ Brian O'Driscoll on Ireland's win over Australia ~
"Some people are too focused on the scoreboard, but the scoreboard doesn’t get you through to the next round – a win does."
~ Peter de Villiers, Springbok coach ~
"There's no truth to that idea at all. Some people have got very fertile minds. That's not the case, it's ridiculous."
~ Graham Henry on whether his stars were legitimately injured ~
"It wasn’t a rugby Test, it was a test of character. I think that we got our starting XV right, and the bench made the difference in the second half. They upped the tempo and put the opposition under pressure."
~ Peter de Villiers, Springbok coach ~
"It’s been said that we don’t play rugby, but we weren’t allowed to play much today. Wales flood the breakdown and the gate doesn’t seem to be a priority [with the referee]. It makes it very difficult to go forward if that area isn’t patrolled well."
~ John Smit, Springbok captain ~
When you walk through the shadow of the valley of death, sometimes it’s difficult to know which side your bread is buttered...
~ Peter de Villiers, Springbok coach ~
I look at Colin Meads and see a great big sheep farmer who carried the ball in his hands as though it was an orange pip.
~ Bill McLaren, describing Colin Meads ~
To be honest, it was embarrassing... the players understood the importance of this game ...but, yet again, we were our own worst enemies.
