World Cup witticisms

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Posted: Wednesday October 13, 1999 04:49 PM

Allan Bateman said "the two toughest tacklers I've ever played against are Gibbs and Tuigamala." David Rogers/Allsport

LONDON (Reuters) -- Words of wisdom from players, coaches and a business expert as the first round of the World Cup reaches its climax.

"The two toughest tacklers I've ever played against are [Scott] Gibbs and [Va'aiga] Tuigamala. When they meet on Thursday there should be a few earthquakes."
Welsh player Allan Bateman on the battle of the centers in the Wales vs. Samoa game.

"It was inevitable that absenteeism would rise but local companies seem to have planned ahead and made provisions by providing televisions this time."
Cardiff Chamber of Commerce chief executive Helen Conway on how businesses can avoid absenteeism when Welsh games are played during the week.

"It would have been good to play England in the final. We could stuff them on the field -- and stuff them in the vote."
Wallaby captain John Eales talks to the Australian media about the forthcoming republic referendum, the day of the World Cup final.

"It seems to me that there is one rule for the rich and one rule for the poor in this tournament. Did no-one see Lawrence Dallaglio knee Jonah Lomu on Saturday or Jonny Wilkinson's high tackle [in England's game against New Zealand]?"
Tonga coach Dave Waterston on the citings controversy.

"In this cup, the English are hungry for victory and it would be a mistake to go and irritate them, so we prefer to play Ireland in the quarterfinals."
Fiji coach Brad Johnstone on why he wants his team to avoid a game with England

"Our rugby players beat Namibia the same way our football players beat Iceland, in the same clumsy and inconsistent fashion. We're spared any outbust of patriotic lyricism. That's the only good news."
French newspaper Le Monde on France.

"We have to regroup, this laziness must stop. Our problem is that we play like we live. We are in a nice hotel and we feel good. But this mentality has got to end."
French team manager Jo Maso on his squad.

"Diego Maradona talked about the hand of God. This was the boot of God."
Tonga coach Dave Waterston on the last second drop goal which secured his team's victory over Italy.

"I'm breathing new air."
Argentina captain Lizandro Arbizu enjoys his team's victory over Samoa, only its second win in four World Cups.

"To have a situation where South Africa play England in the quarterfinals, to me, is quite ridiculous. At the end of the day any seeding should make sure that the very best four teams in the world should end up in those semifinals just like they would in tennis."
England official Fran Cotton.

"I had some space and I went for the shortest route...I give it all every time I pull on an All Black jersey. The only way I am coming off is on a stretcher."
Giant All Black winger Jonah Lomu on his crucial try against England.

"He's a big man to stop. We said before we were not going to focus on him because they have so many quality players in the backs. Unfortunately, when the moment came we were stretched and when he is one-on-one it is pretty hard to stop him."
England center Phil de Glanville on Lomu.

"That is Jonah coming out of the shower."
England coach Clive Woodward reacts to a thud from upstairs during a news conference following his team's defeat by the All Blacks.

 

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