“We’d consider Ireland a very welcoming country, but Japan takes that to a different level.”
Ireland flanker Peter O’Mahony.
“I thought I was going to die with all the pressure.”
Japan flyhalf Yu Tamura on the long buildup to their opening night win against Russia.
“Performances over the opening weekend … were not consistently of the standards set by World Rugby and themselves, but World Rugby is confident of the highest standards of officiating moving forward.”
World Rugby’s astonishing critical statement of its elite referees.
“That his back is getting sore, and his knees.”
South Africa flyhalf Elton Jantjies on what he was learning from veteran teammate Frans Steyn.
“From the big island of Russia to the rather smaller island of Samoa, we say thank you very much for the game.”
Russia captain Vasily Artemyev magnanimous after their first test against a Pacific Island team, despite two Samoans sent off for tackling his head.
“That’s try of the year, eh? Break your leg and score the try. He deserves a medal for that. That is dying for your country, basically.”
Senio Toleafoa on fellow Samoa back-rower Afaesetiti Amosa rupturing ligaments in his right knee before scoring a try against Russia.
“It’s going to be like 15 Donald Trumps out there.”
England coach Eddie Jones previews their match against the United States.
“I don’t know where it comes from. It’s inside. It’s in there. Today, we had to go there to fetch it, and it came.”
Uruguay captain Juan Manuel Gaminara explaining their upset of Fiji by 30-27.
“Finally, we’ll be freed from the South Africa talk.”
Japan scrumhalf Fumiaka Tanaka after they upset Ireland 19-12, four years after toppling South Africa in the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
“My daughter is always angry when she is watching my games because she thinks the other players are hurting me. She even thinks my teammates are hurting me, and she says she will come to my training and get angry at my team-mates.”
Georgia hooker Jaba Bregvadze on his 5-year-old daughter Elene.
“As a rugby player, a former player, I am embarrassed here. They all seem spooked.”
Australia coach Michael Cheika on referees’ policing high tackles after the World Rugby criticism.
“When you’ve got 18,000 fans screaming at a giraffe running down the midfield, that’s not supposed to be there, you panic a little bit.”
United States lock Greg Peterson on failing to see teammate Ruben de Haas in support and squandering a try against France.
“I felt it. Cheslin (Kolbe) was sleeping and snoring so I thought it was him. I have never felt anything like that. I was excited but scared at the same time.”
South Africa captain Siya Kolisi after an earthquake.
“They just like how cool it looks.”
New Zealand flanker Ardie Savea on the reaction of teammates to him wearing goggles to protect his failing eyesight.
“When you’re blessed, you’re blessed.”
New Zealand coach Steve Hansen after the Barretts became the first trio of brothers to each score a try in the same match, vs. Canada.
“I apologize for his mustache. What a great character he is, a great person, and an example to any captain in world rugby.”
Russia coach Lyn Jones on captain Vasily Artemyev.
“Crass stupidity, crass stupidity.”
Italy coach Conor O’Shea after prop Andrea Lovotti was sent off for a tip tackle on South Africa’s Duane Vermuelen.
“Hopefully the floodgates open now.”
Australia prop James Slipper after scoring his first try in his 94th test.
“When I congratulated James and said well done, his reply was, ‘You have finally seen the light, have you?’ I thought it was brilliant, a great response. I love a bit of banter like that.”
Wales coach Warren Gatland on giving James Davies his first Rugby World Cup start against Fiji.
“If anyone has an A-Z on how to tackle Josua Tuisova, please send me it.”
Defense coach Shaun Edwards after Wales missed 32 tackles against Fiji.
“We always knew there would be risks (with the weather) but it’s rare for there to be a typhoon of this size at this stage of the year. We have no regrets.”
World Rugby tournament director Alan Gilpin on announcing the unprecedented cancelation of two matches, and eventually a third, because of Typhoon Hagibis.
“You don’t dream about that where I am from.”
South Africa captain Siya Kolisi, raised in Zwide township, on reaching the Rugby World Cup final.
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