A selection of the best quotes from players and coaches at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan on Thursday.
‘What a fantastic game of rugby last night, Fiji versus Wales. And what a player that [Fiji wing] Semi Radradra is. Just to be at the World Cup and see him play with such power, pace and guile is a humbling experience. He said at the end of the game that he wanted to empty the tank for the country, and our players have the opportunity now to build the tank up and empty it on Saturday week against whoever we play. It was one of the best displays I have seen and I am talking as a fan.’ – England coach Eddie Jones was in awe of Semi Radradra’s man-of-the-match performance against Wales on Wednesday.
‘We are not concerned at all, we are excited. Who would have thought we would have two relatively easy games, one tough game and then two weeks to prepare for a quarter-final? Someone is smiling on us. The typhoon gods maybe.’ – Jones on the disruption to England’s schedule caused by the impending typhoon Hagibis.
‘We love Miyazaki beef. We have 80kg of a special consignment coming Saturday night. Billy Vunipola is allowed his beef again.’ – Jones explains why his team returned to train in the city of Miyazaki.
‘The biggest reason is because in all of Georgian history we have been fighting, we’ve had wars and have been defending our country all the time. We have it in our genes to fight, to wrestle. I think that’s why we are good in the scrum.’ – Fullback Soso Matiashvili ponders the power of the Lelos pack.
‘There’s no shortage of footage. There’s eight camera angles from every game or whatever it is, so we have done our homework. You give every team the respect they deserve.’ – Flank David Pocock says the Wallabies won’t be complacent against Georgia.
‘Players who’ve been playing, like myself, wouldn’t have got good training without those not selected. We have three wins now but they’re the ones who did all the analysis on oppositions. They tell us how the other team set their lineouts and scrums. We’re communicating well and I’m very thankful to them.’ – Japan hooker Shota Horie salutes the Brave Blossoms’ backup players.
‘On the pitch he brings a real physical edge – he’s so combative. Off the pitch he’s great craic [crack], able to have a laugh and everything else.’ – Ireland lock James Ryan appreciates the contribution of centre Bundee Aki.
Quotes compilation supplied by Rugby World Cup
Photo: Stu Forster/Getty Images
