‘Heartbroken’ Schmidt praises ABs
Departing coach Joe Schmidt says that Ireland’s failure to make the All Blacks work for their points was his side’s undoing following their 46-14 quarter-final defeat in Tokyo.
‘Brodie is a bit of a freak’
Brodie Retallick’s inclusion in the starting lineup to face Ireland after his recent return from injury shows how much the All Blacks value the star lock.
Hansen: All Blacks happy to avoid Japan
New Zealand coach Steve Hansen has paid Japan the ultimate compliment by saying they were happy to avoid the Brave Blossoms in the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
Hansen slams trial by social media
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen disapproves of the trial-by-social-media notion after claims that match officials missed incidents of foul play in the victory over the Springboks.
World Rugby amends HIA law
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen approved of World Rugby’s decision to amend their HIA law after confusion around flank Sam Cane in the win over the Springboks.
Erasmus: ABs showed great discipline
Hear the reactions of the Springbok coach and captain, as well as their counterparts, following the Pool B opener in Yokohama.
Hansen: Not easy picking a RWC winner
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen discusses the difficulty of picking World Cup winners, while Kieran Read talks up the clash with the Springboks as ‘one of the biggest’ of his career.
Hansen: Sonny Bill will provide something different
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen is hoping midfielder Sonny Bill Williams can impact the game positively from the bench against the Springboks on Saturday.
Hansen: Rassie wrong to pressure ref
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has slammed Rassie Erasmus’ comments about officiating ahead of the titanic clash in Yokohama. JON CARDINELLI in Tokyo reports.
De Allende excited by SBW challenge
Springbok centre Damian de Allende is looking forward to potentially clashing with All Blacks midfielder Sonny Bill Williams in Saturday’s Pool B opener.
