“There have been plenty of smiles in and out of training. We're enjoying these moments. We're still human beings.”
Despite the host-nation pressure, France second-row Cameron Woki still sees the fun side of Rugby World Cup 2023

"We’re calm because Antoine’s back."
Hooker Peato Mauvaka has a simple explanation for Les Bleus' mellow mood

“If we are always going to be nice to each other we wouldn't be doing our job for the 60 million South Africans.”
Assistant coach Mzwandile Stick on why South Africa's robust selection meetings are a good thing

“A loss in a quarter-final, tears running down your face, that’s a feeling you never want to feel again.”
Dewi Lake, the Wales hooker, sums up defeat against Argentina

'Impressive, spectacular' France

"You don't often see supporters like that at a rugby match. They were like football supporters, which I think is absolutely brilliant."
Wales wing Josh Adams salutes the Argentina fans in Marseille

"Impressive, spectacular. From the first minute I came to France I didn't want to go home, I wanted to stay for seven or eight weeks. I am very happy and we are going to Paris."
It's fair to say Los Pumas wing Mateo Carreras is happy his World Cup adventure is continuing

"We know it is not going to be perfect; life is not perfect. It's how you embrace the moment. That's what rugby is about. I don't want this to end ever.”
Captain Julián Montoya agrees with Carreras.

“Sport can be cruel sometimes - I guess that's why we love it."
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell after the epic quarter-final against New Zealand

"No-one really gave us a chance. We played Ireland, the best in the world, and we knew we didn't have to be the best in the world, we just had to be the best on the day."
New Zealand fly-half Richie Mo'unga on helping his team defeat world number one Ireland

“He is how we measure ourselves. He is the standard setter. He is the leader, an unbelievably good bloke on and off the pitch ... To not give him the send-off that he deserves is the hardest thing to take."
Ireland back-row Jack Conan on not being able to give fly-half Johnny Sexton the perfect retirement gift.