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half time © Getty Images
England's game breaker Jonny Wilkinson fires off a pass during last night's clash

ENG 25 v RSA 6: What they said

19/10/2003

 

Clive Woodward (ENG) - coach

On his side's hard-fought win:

"It was a hard, hard contest. It's just a massive relief to win and move on to Melbourne. It was a game we had to win and we've done that. I also want to say well done to South Africa. There wasn't a single bad incident in the game.

"There was a lot of pressure in the game. I don't think we quite hit the standards we were hoping for, but we never thought the game was in doubt."

Martin Johnson (ENG) - captain

"It was a huge game. I think Will's (centre Will Greenwood’s) charge-down try was the difference and we managed to slot a couple of field goals. Our defence was good because they (South Africa) didn't score a try.

"We were a little bit fortunate in the first half and we recognise that. There were mistakes. In that second half, once we got down there, we turned most of our territory into points, which was critical."

Rudolf Straeuli (RSA) - coach

On missed scoring opportunities:

"We had two or three try opportunities that we didn't get and that's the difference between youth and experience. Against top sides in the world we've got to take those points, tries and kick those penalties.
"One thing that's positive is the opportunities we had. We played a style of rugby that showed we want to score tries.

On Louis Koen's missed kicks:

"I think maybe tactically we shouldn't have taken those long penalty kicks in the beginning. Maybe we should have kicked for the lineout and kept more ball. To blame Louis is a bit harsh. Jonny kicked those kicks and it cost us."

Corne Krige (RSA) - captain:

"I am very proud of my team. This team has gone through more than any of the other teams in this World Cup and that's for sure. We have shown a lot of character.

"We will never be satisfied with a close loss and we'll keep on working hard and keep putting our bodies on the line and putting everything out until we can put South African rugby back where it's supposed to be….on the top of world rugby."

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