"There's an unknown factor that creeps into sport. For one guy the ball will bounce into his hands, for another it will bounce over his head. That's why, although one says it's most likely that the All Blacks are going to win the World Cup, you can't cut out the unknown factor." Ireland's greatest out-half Jack Kyle offers an uncannily accurate insight in a magazine interview prior to the World Cup semi-finals.

"Coming up against different teams and different players, you never know quite what to expect in this tournament. It is brilliant." Munster and Ireland hooker Keith Wood on the virtues of the European Cup.

"If players want to get a place in the All Blacks, they have to play and act like All Blacks. And I think we need to start being more multi-skilled in every department."

A chilling message from new coach Wayne Smith to the current incumbents in the New Zealand team.