RSA 76-0 ROU: Post match reaction
- 1078
ON-FIELD REACTION
Cristian Chirica, captain
On his thoughts on the match:
"It is very important for us to play against the best teams in the world because we are a young team that needs experience.
"It is very hard to play against teams like South Africa which are very tough and very physical, but we are happy to be here and we are trying to do our best."
Eugen Apjok, head coach
On playing high-ranked duo Ireland and South Africa:
"We had the first 25 minutes in the Irish game and today the last 20 minutes of the first half, we can take some positives. We need to learn a lot about how to manage, especially in the breakdown."
On what his team will do before the next game:
Makazole Mapimpi, Mastercard Player of the Match
On the crowd:
"Thanks for the South African support, we appreciate that. I see you guys behind us all the time."
On the game:
"We prepared for the rain - we knew it was coming - but the only thing we spoke about was the physicality. We needed to bring it. I don't put myself in front (first), it's all about the team. It's not about me walking over to score the tries. A lot of guys did well - André [Esterhuizen], Willie [Le Roux] - and I appreciate their work."
Bongi Mbonambi, captain
On keeping up the intensity after securing the try bonus point early:
"We just kept it simple, we stick to our plan, we kept it tight, because all respect to Romania - they're tough in contact, full of pride and we knew it was going to be difficult."
On leading the team out in a Rugby World Cup:
"It's a milestone in my career but it's never about one person in this team - we're all doing it for the Springbok jersey."
Jacques Nienaber, head coach
On how happy he is:
"I'm especially happy with a couple of things we tried. The three different hookers that we used - I thought that paid off. Then Faf [de Klerk] got some exposure at 10 - so I thought a lot of things that we wanted to get out of the game, we got."
On nine games with just two tries conceded:
"This team has always prided themselves on their defence so extremely happy."
On the game against Ireland next week:
"You must always enjoy rugby. We do it because it's fun and we love it. But knowing it's a six-day turnaround [from this match] it will be controlled enjoyment, then from tomorrow we'll start working."
