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Jonny Wilkinson © Getty Images
England fly half Jonny Wilkinson lines up another kick at goal against Samoa

ENG 35 v SAM 22: What they said

26/10/2003

 

John BOE (SAM) - Coach

On the match:

“I said we were here to play, not just make up the numbers. We just couldn’t quite hang on against the world’s best side. There’s no disgrace in that.”

On his side’s defence:

“The defence was awesome. They gave all they had. At the end of the day we just couldn’t hang on. Never mind, we just look forward to the next match.”

On what it means for Samoa to play against England:

“It’s a step up from anything we’ve had before. We’ve never played the number one team in the world. For a lot of our players it’s a huge step up and they did step up. We’re extremely proud of our boys. The match was a huge learning curve. We’ll take the lessons we’ve learnt in this match and take them into the next one.”

Semo SITITI (SAM) - Captain

On the match:

“We’re not here to make up the numbers. We’re here to compete.”

On England:

“They are very mobile, quality players. We are very pleased to play this team. We have a lot of respect for these guys. I am very proud of my boys.”

Clive WOODWARD (ENG) - Coach

On the match:

“They gave us a major scare. We saw them play their first two games and we expected a tough game. We gave them a lot of possession. If you give that side too much possession, they will make you pay. I’m glad we didn’t underestimate them. We had a very, very strong side, and we needed it to win the game. Well done to Samoa, they played a great game. It was great work by our guys to stick in it.”

On the Samoan team:

“They’re a tough team. We’re looking forward to seeing them against South Africa.”

Martin Johnson (ENG) - Captain

On the match:

“Samoa played fantastically well. In the first 20 minutes there was only one team on the park. We didn’t touch the ball in the first 15 minutes. There were too many mistakes. Don’t patronise Samoa, they can play rugby.”

On England’s next match against Uruguay:

“The way we are going we are not going to win next week, let alone the quarter finals.”

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