75 Quotes by Mike Ruddock

The scrum is a big weapon and it got us back in the match,

Ryan is not looking great for the New Zealand game,

Our shape was there but our accuracy let us down,

There were lots of good performances, particularly up front, while Matthew Watkins looked sharp in the centre and full-back Lee Byrne did a couple of special things, so there were a lot of positives,

As well as the players with ankle problems there's also a few soft-tissue injuries to calves, thighs and the like, so we're hoping they settle down before we pick the team for next weekend.

It's a very big workload, but I'm hoping that greater exposure will benefit the players, ... The level of competition is exciting. I think we're all going to be riding a rollercoaster. In the Super 12 and the Tri-Nations the southern-hemisphere teams have raised the bar. We'll know more after the autumn.

It was interesting to hear Gareth confirm that the players raised my name in a meeting with Steve Lewis. I would like to find out more on what that was about. I will use the opportunity during my meeting with the directors to answer any questions they may have and I will raise the issue of why it was that we went into the Six Nations without having in place contracts for any of the three coaches involved in the grand slam.

It's one mighty challenge to take on the All Blacks, particularly given our record over the last 50 years, but we have to aim high,

It's been amazing today. We are in amongst the big guns at last.