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Brisbane - Springbok coach Peter de Villiers has clarified statements attributed to him in the media with regard to the staging of the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand next year.
VIDEO: Aussies mock Div
De Villiers was interviewed on Fox Sport’s Rugby Club programme in Australia on Wednesday and his statements have subsequently been carried by print media in Australia and further afield.
“In no manner did I ever suggest that the All Blacks were being favoured – by match officials or anyone else – because their country was hosting the Rugby World Cup next year,” De Villiers said.
“I have stated many times during the past weeks that the All Blacks were better than us in their victories in Auckland and Wellington. Whilst I have also expressed unhappiness over some refereeing issues, this is a separate matter altogether and has no bearing on what I said.
“My comment during the Rugby Club interview was based on the general view that part of the success of any World Cup event rests on the fact that the host nation has a winning team.
“This view has been misinterpreted and I wish to make it clear that I had no other intention than to make that specific point. Nevertheless, I regret that this may have created the wrong impression and raised undue concern for SANZAR and the RWC 2011 organisers.
“I also want to assure all Springbok supporters that we will continue to strive for success. We are proud South Africans and we will always do our best for our country”.
VIDEO: Aussies mock Div
De Villiers was interviewed on Fox Sport’s Rugby Club programme in Australia on Wednesday and his statements have subsequently been carried by print media in Australia and further afield.
“In no manner did I ever suggest that the All Blacks were being favoured – by match officials or anyone else – because their country was hosting the Rugby World Cup next year,” De Villiers said.
“I have stated many times during the past weeks that the All Blacks were better than us in their victories in Auckland and Wellington. Whilst I have also expressed unhappiness over some refereeing issues, this is a separate matter altogether and has no bearing on what I said.
“My comment during the Rugby Club interview was based on the general view that part of the success of any World Cup event rests on the fact that the host nation has a winning team.
“This view has been misinterpreted and I wish to make it clear that I had no other intention than to make that specific point. Nevertheless, I regret that this may have created the wrong impression and raised undue concern for SANZAR and the RWC 2011 organisers.
“I also want to assure all Springbok supporters that we will continue to strive for success. We are proud South Africans and we will always do our best for our country”.
