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Stirling Mortlock © Getty Images
Stirling Mortlock booked Australia's place in the RWC final with his first half try

AUS 22 v NZL 10: What they said

15/11/2003

 

Australia captain George Gregan

On Australia's against-the-odds victory over New Zealand:

"It was a massive effort by everyone, I think everyone in the 22 was used tonight. New Zealand have been the world's best team this year, so it was a great effort. It has given us the opportunity to play for the ultimate prize and that's next week, so we don't want to get too carried away."  

On whether the team had worked on its defence in the week's lead-up to the match.

"We worked hard on that aspect. Defence wins big matches at the end of a Tournament. And they (New Zealand) have some dangerous players, Carlos, Justin, every single one of their back line, Gerry Collins ... you have got to get off the line, otherwise they get good go forward."

Australia centre and try scorer Stirling Mortlock

On the game:

"I really enjoyed it out there ... I felt we got some really good ball ... it was good fun.

"All week we had a strong game plan and a good preparation and to our credit, we put it into play."

On his intercept try:

"I made sure I dived very early."

On the win:

"It's very satisfying, but now there's a job in front of us. We need to be prepared."

All Black captain Reuben Thorne

On the game:

"I thought we prepared well all week but they showed a lot of character out there tonight. They (Australia) defended with there lives."

"We just couldn't hold the ball enough tonight."

On New Zealand's fans:

"Thanks to everyone who supported us, we're sorry."

All Black fly half Carlos Spencer

On the mood after the loss:

"Our boys are pretty down tonight, we're pretty disappointed. They shut us down and didn't let us play our game. Credit to Australia they played well.

On his game:

"It's frustrating for me but it's hard to play without the ball."


 

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