"`He goes on about John Mitchell leaving a huge gap when he left, but Mitchell left a big gap in the investors money as well. We spent £2.5 million and finished 10th. We are now spending £90,000 and we're 10th."

- Sale director of rugby, Adrian Hadley on criticism by hooker Phil Greening.

"It really doesn't get any better than this. It wasn't just the result, our play was outstanding. I can't say more. We were so focused on defence. When Ossie (Austin Healy) got sin- binned we looked at the clock and I said: `If we can defend it (the resulting France penalty), we've won the game.' We've got a great set of boys and those last 10 minutes epitomised our spirit."

- England captain Matt Dawson on his side's victory over France at Stade de France.

"The best team won. The English were stronger and we have a lot of work to do. Physically they are at a very high level."

- French flanker Olivier Magne does not try to search out excuses.