‘I don’t care about Eddie’s mind games’
A selection of the best quotes from players and coaches at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan on Thursday.
Superbru: All backing the Boks
The SA Rugby magazine team have all picked the Boks to reach the final, but are divided over who will win between England and the All Blacks.
Barrett brothers: We could’ve headed home
Brothers Beauden, Scott and Jordie Barrett have revealed that they were granted compassionate leave after their grandfather Ted passed away a week before their victory over Ireland.
Jones: Ford’s work rate will be important
England coach Eddie Jones says he decided to bring George Ford back into their starting lineup to face the All Blacks due to the flyhalf’s work rate.
Tuilagi: Game of our lives
Centre Manu Tuilagi says England are relishing the challenge of facing ‘the best team in the world’ in Saturday’s World Cup semi-final in Yokohama.
Hansen: Barrett over Cane strategic
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen says the inclusion of utility forward Scott Barrett over regular openside flank Sam Cane is tactical and not based on form.
Throwback Thursday: De Beer’s five drop goals at ’99 RWC
Today marks the 20th anniversary of Springbok flyhalf Jannie de Beer’s supreme kicking performance against England in the quarter-finals of the 1999 World Cup.
Hansen laughs off Jones’ spying comments
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has dismissed close friend Eddie Jones’ claims that England’s training session was spied on as a ‘distraction’.
Ford back at No 10 for England
England coach Eddie Jones has made one change to his starting lineup for Saturday’s World Cup semi-final against the All Blacks in Yokohama.
All Blacks pick Barrett at flank
Scott Barrett will start at flank in the only change to the All Blacks’ starting lineup for their semi-final against England in Yokohama on Saturday.
