Corne Krige today admitted he had acted irresponsibly after describing England's Martin Johnson as "one of the dirtiest captains in world rugby".
Krige's scathing remark appeared this week on the eve of South Africa's World Cup departure but the Springboks captain attempted to defuse the situation on arrival in Perth.
"It was about a one-hour interview, and at the end of the interview, I had a discussion with the guy and then it came through in the paper," he said.
"I didn't expect it to be there - I was shocked and I was upset with the journalist. It was irresponsible on my side, but also on his side.
"I don't want to say what I believe or what I don't believe, but it is not my place to comment on him (Johnson) in the papers.
"As players, I don't think you should comment on each other in the papers. I want to put it behind us, and focus on our first game, which is against Uruguay."
Asked what he thought about Johnson, Krige added: "He is an extremely good player."
South Africa play England in Pool C on October 18th.
PA